The Los Angeles Clippers visit the FedExForum to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Action starts at 8:00 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 19 and can be seen on PRI and FxS.
The Grizzlies lost to the Bucks 96-86 on Thursday. Tony Allen put together a strong game for the Grizzlies, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals. The Clippers, meanwhile, are coming off a 122-106 win over the Rockets on Wednesday. DeAndre Jordan had a good performance, accounting for 23 points and 16 rebounds to claim his 42nd double-double of the season.
Lance Stephenson has really been playing well recently for the Grizzlies, averaging 23.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 0.8 steals over the last five games.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, the turnover story could loom large in this showdown. Los Angeles commits the third-fewest errors in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.8%), while Memphis’s ball-hawking defense causes the most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.2%).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Clippers winning the first matchup 94-92. Zach Randolph scored a game-high with 26 points.
The Grizzlies enter the game with records of 39-30 Straight Up (SU) and 34-32-3 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 39-30 SU and 34-32-3 ATS against the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are one of the best in the NBA in terms of free throws made, making an impressive 19.0 per game.
In the other locker room, Los Angeles has a SU record of 43-24 and an ATS record of 32-33-2. In Western Conference games, Los Angeles has gone 43-24 SU and 32-33-2 ATS. When it comes to making good decisions with the ball, not many are better than the Clippers. They have one of the top assist-to-turnover ratios in the league at 1.82. Los Angeles’s defense is one of the top in the league, with opponents shooting only .438 from the field.
Los Angeles won the last meeting this season between these two teams, but the Grizzlies still lead the head-to-head record, 6-4 SU, over the last 10 matchups. The Grizzlies also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 8-2.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAC
Notes
Los Angeles’ offense and Memphis’ defense are well matched, ranking zeroth in points per game and points allowed per game respectively. Los Angeles puts up an average of 0.0 points per game, while Memphis gives up 0.0 points per game.
Los Angeles and Memphis are well matched, ranking zeroth in points per away game and points allowed at home respectively. Los Angeles puts up an average of 0.0 points on the road, while Memphis gives up 0.0 points at home on average.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Clippers are 31-3 on the season. When the Grizzlies score fewer than 100, they are a subpar 10-23.
The Los Angeles Clippers have a poor 12-21 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Memphis Grizzlies are 29-7 when they hit the century mark.
The Grizzlies have a defensive rating of 104.9 (ranked 18th), while the Clippers rank sixth for their offensive rating of 106.8.
Ranked seventh in the NBA, Los Angeles has an average field goal percentage of 46.3%. Memphis is 12-17 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
On average, Memphis attempts 18.0 three pointers and Los Angeles attempts 26.0 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, the Grizzlies are 3-2 while the Clippers have a solid 25-16 record.
Los Angeles ranks near the top of the league with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.82 (ranked third). Memphis is ranked 13th, with an A/TO of 1.65 this season.
The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league with just 41.6 per game. The Los Angeles Clippers average 42.2 rebounds (ranked 24th).
Memphis is ranked 30th in defensive rebounds, while Los Angeles ranks 27th in offensive rebounds.
Memphis is among the best in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 16.2% (ranked first). Los Angeles has a 5-4 record SU when its TOV% reaches 16.2% or greater.
