(4) L.A. Clippers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies
Season Series: Grizzlies 3-1
If there’s any two teams with the most to prove in the playoffs outside of the New York Knicks, it’s the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers. This is a rematch from their first round series, which the Clippers managed to escape the series winning game 7 at home. Unfortunately, the Clippers would go on to get swept by the San Antonio Spurs in 4.
Now with a new year and a new post-season, Lob-City has overtaken the throne in Los Angeles as the best team in the city, led by Chris Paul, who put up another MVP-like season with 17 points per game, adding in 10 assist.
In the off-season, one of the most valuable free agents, Jamal Crawford, decided to take his talents to the Clippers, adding an instant dynamic to the team and taking pressure off Chris Paul from being the only play maker. This added to their offensively hindered front court and to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, who are still developing. The Clippers have been looked at as a team with contender-like potential but pre-tender like play during the playoffs.
This year with a weakened conference due to injuries, this is their perfect chance for a deep playoff run, but unfortunately for these teams, the winner will play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to avenge their game-7 loss last playoffs which both teams displayed intense animosity between the two, and we’re expecting that to carry on this series as well. Memphis traded away Rudy Gay before the trade deadline to create cap room, avoiding the luxury tax.
They received veteran swingman Tayshaun Prince as part of the Gay trade, which he’s still trying to improve on the offensive side of things for the team. Along with Tony Allen defensively, Prince will be key in guarding the Clippers backcourt, which this year will see the return on Chauncey Billups, bringing a much needed leadership role to the team.
For Memphis to win the series, it’s only going to be through Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph’s dominance inside the paint. The two have average a combined 30-points and 20-rebounds for the season, and Memphis will need the most out of their front-court to give the Clippers problems.
Guard Mike Conley has been having a career year in points and assists, and will have the toughest task of anyone on the court, guarding Chris Paul and Billups. The Clippers will have to try to expose the team in half-court pick and roll sets and their ball movement, creating open lanes for Caron Butler, Blake and Jordan.
The history of the NBA entails a dominant front court is more successful than a dominant backcourt, but we’re going to have to side with the Clippers on this one, winning the series in 6 or 7 games. That is, if Memphis pushes them to the limit.
Game 1 – Sat April 20, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 – Mon April 22, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Thu April 25, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 – Sat April 27, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 4:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 30, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 3, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 5, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD