After dropping a complete dud against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday, the Clippers travel to Memphis to play the Grizzlies. Can they bounce back?
The Clippers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-91 in a poor game all around on Wednesday. Tonight, they travel to Memphis to finish the season series. Can they show some grit in Memphis and return to form?
We have a special preview for you all. We asked our friend and site expert over at Beale Street Bears, Parker Fleming, to give us a little scouting report on the Grizzlies. I threw out some questions and Parker gave his opinion.
1. After almost 3/4 of the year done, was Chandler worth the price? Or is it still too early to tell?
"I still think it’s too early to tell. He’s shown promise in some games, but overall it’s been hard to watch. By the playoffs or at least next year, Chandler Parsons should be the Chandler Parsons that the Grizzlies were expecting. But for right now, they still have general kinks to work out with their rotation and their defense. Until that happens, the Grizzlies won’t reach their full capability."
2. Do you think this Clippers’ team is capable of competing with anyone?
"Absolutely. They proved it when they started 14-2. Chris Paul may be one of the greatest point guards ever. Blake Griffin has become more and more dynamic each year. J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford, Mo Speights and Austin Rivers are an excellent group of role players. However, this team’s full capability rests on DeAndre Jordan. While he can protect the rim and slam it down with the best of them, if his free throw shooting keeps him out of the game, it’s hard seeing them go past the Warriors, Rockets or Spurs."
3. Who is the Grizzlies ideal 1st round match-up?
"The Utah Jazz. Their core players, aside from George Hill, have zero playoff experience. The Grizzlies own the series (3-1) against them. While Gobert is a difficult match-up for Gasol, it shouldn’t be enough to knock off a playoff-tested Grizzlies team."
4. Prediction for this game tonight
"It’s going to be a close one. It’ll, for sure, get chippy. The FedEx Forum will be rocking, but it all depends on which Grizzlies team shows up. If we get this post All-Star break squad, then the Clippers take this easily. However, if they play like they typically do against top-tier teams, the Grizzlies would pull this one out in front of their impatient fans."
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