Clippers vs. Grizzlies NBA Picks and Predictions (Archive)
Memphis caught the Los Angeles Clippers early when they were not playing well and beat them on the road 120-114 as four-point underdogs. L.A. has since found a rhythm; can the Grizzlies handle the Clips again?
The L.A. Clippers (9-5, 8-6 ATS) are in the midst of playing 11 times at the Staples Center in 13 games. They have completed the first five contests in La-La Land and have flown east into the southern region of the country for two games in two nights starting in Memphis.
Memphis ended a three-game skid, doing what almost every club in the NBA has done, hoisting Houston 136-102 to even their record at 7-7 (8-6 ATS). BetOnline’s (visit our BetOnline Review) opening betting odds had this encounter as a rare pick. The wagering masses chimed in and the visitor is now a 1.5-point favorite.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Thursday, November 18, 2021 – 8:10 PM EST at FedExForum
Clippers Try to Continue Excellent Play
Since their 1-4 start, the Clippers collectively figured what they had to do as individuals and playing with one another. Credit coach Tyronn Lue for working the mechanics and determining who best fits where and with whom, with L.A. having won seven of eight.
Though Paul George realizes his best chance to win a ring is playing with another superstar, it should be not be lost on anyone when George is the lead dog like he was at Indiana, he plays his best. The 31-year-old leads his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals per game, making him a true do-it-all performer.
When Kawhi Leonard eventually returns, that will take some of the pressure off George, yet, right now, much like after Leonard was hurt in the playoffs, George is thriving in his all-around game. However, no one player can do it all alone. That’s where nightly contributions from Reggie Jackson, Eric Bledsoe, Luke Kennard and Terrance Mann are so important.
They fill the different roles as scorers, with each having a particular skill that creates a semblance of balance. Of course, you need a big guy and Ivica Zubac is an all-effort guy in the paint and an important reason why the Clips are 4th in field goal percentage defense.
Memphis is Not Going Anywhere Unless Defense Picks Up
The Grizzlies are a curious lot. Some might consider them a work in progress and they could grow into a team that can compete with the best in the Western Conference. They are the only club to give Golden State a loss this campaign. Memphis is also a squad that can quickly lose on any given night. Among their seven setbacks, six have been by double digits, by an average 20 points a contest, that includes dumping one by 11 at lowly New Orleans recently.
The maturity and understanding have not yet filtered into the DNA of this outfit. Is coach Taylor Jenkins partly to blame? Certainly. As is GM Zach Kleiman for putting together this particular roster. While the Grizzlies can be fun to watch when Ja Morant and guys are going end to end, they are headed to becoming a perpetual wild card team if you rank 28th in field goal defense and 29th in points allowed and three-point percentage defense.
To take the next step tonight and in the future, Memphis would do well to see how their opponent this evening is willing to guard them.
Clippers vs. Grizzlies Free Pick Prediction
For NBA picks, it’s a given Memphis will be psyched to play, looking to be a giant-killer again. However, with how the Grizz play defense, unless they come up with an unexpected effort, the L.A. Clippers are in a good groove on both ends of the floor and who is going to contain Mr. George with how he is playing?
In looking for the right answer for this skirmish, we found something relatable that applies to each team that backed up our conviction. When the line is +3 to -3 and a home team like Memphis has gone over the total by more than 18 points in their previous game, against an opponent after going under the total by more than 18 points in their last outing, the visitor is a sweet 30-7 ATS in the past five seasons. The Clips.
NBA Picks: Clippers -1.5 (-110) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.