2nd Choice – Memphis Grizzlies
Though currently 5th in the West, this really comes down to a few roster moves for draft picks rather than usable player assets, and the uncertain health of Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies have tried recently to integrate to the small-ball fashion that the rest of the league has adopted, after their grit-n-grind style hadn’t got them as far as they would have liked in the playoffs.
While they have beaten the Clippers 4-2 as recently as 2013, and having led the Warriors 2-1 last year, the Grizzlies are not fodder, the ill-health has done little to suggest they would be as formidable as previously.
In Mike Conley the team does at least have a legitimately good (and underrated) point guard to cause Paul problems, but Zach Randolph, Chris Andersen and Brandan Wright are no real match for Griffin and Jordan. Matt Barnes and Tony Allen are not going to hurt the Clippers too much on the wings either.
As it stands this season: 1-0 in favor of the Clippers (94-92 victory).
(1-1 in series in playoffs history).
Next: Utah Jazz