NBA Basketball Matchup: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis had a seven-game winning streak snapped Tuesday night in Portland, but this is still a Grizzlies team that is playing with a ton of confidence. The Clippers got Chris Paul back from an injury in their last game against the Lakers, but they fell 96-91 in a hard fought game.
10:30 PM EST
NBA Gambling Odds from Bovada
NBA Betting Favorite: Clippers -3.5
Over/Under: 192.5
These teams split the season series 2-2 last year. Expect a good one in the TNT late night showcase on Thursday night.
Rudy Gay missed the Grizzlies playoff run last 
Gay looked a little uneasy at the beginning of the year, but he has hit his stride of late. He leads the team by averaging 18.4 points per game. Memphis is a much better team when point guard Mike Conley is hitting his jumpers. Conley has scored at least 20 points in three of the team’s last six games.
Marc Gasol is having the best season of his young career so far this year. Gasol is averaging 14.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He is also a great passer from the post. Memphis has improved quite a bit defensively over the last few games. The Grizzlies have held opponents to less than 100 points in eight straight games.[soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Clippers have lost three of their last five games. This isn’t the same team without a healthy Chris Paul. Paul seems to be a bit hobbled at this point, but he is expected to play again in this one. Blake Griffin leads the team as he averages 21.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.
Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler have both been very nice pickups for the Clippers. Both average about 15 points per game, and they give the team more scoring options in clutch situations.
DeAndre Jordan is one of the league’s best shot blockers. The Clippers defense hasn’t been very good of late. Opponents are averaging 96.1 points per game against the Clippers this season.
The Clippers are 8-2 at home this year, and I think they’ll bounce back from a tough loss to the Lakers a couple nights ago. I like them to cover the spread here.
Prediction: Clippers 96 Grizzlies 91
