NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview, Prediction

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview, Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies (36-17) head to Inglewood to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (29-23) in a Western Conference clash on Wednesday night (10:30 p.m. ET). 

This is the second of three meetings between the teams. The Clippers edged the Grizzlies 114-110 on Dec. 23 as Norman Powell finished with 29 points and two steals. Ivica Zubac added 20 points, 19 rebounds and four steals for the Clippers. 

The Clippers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 130-110 rout vs. the Utah Jazz on Feb. 8. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies defeated the host Phoenix Suns 119-112 on Feb. 11. 

The Clippers recently acquired three-time All-Star Ben Simmons after he was bought out by the Brooklyn Nets. However, Simmons (conditioning) won’t make his debut against the Grizzlies. 

MEM @ LAC Odds

A key factor will be the Clippers’ defense against the Grizzlies in transition. 

The Clippers are second in the Western Conference in team defense, giving up 107.8 points and holding teams to 45.5 percent shooting. 

2025 All-Star James Harden (1.5), Kris Dunn (1.5), Powell (1.3), Derrick Jones Jr. (1.2), and Kevin Porter Jr. (1.0) each average over a steal per game. The Grizzlies will need to protect the ball and limit turnovers against an active Clippers defense. 

Spearheaded by the exceptionally athletic Ja Morant (20.7 points, 7.4 assists), the Grizzlies are fourth in the Western Conference in fast break points per game (16.9). Desmond Bane averages 3.8 fast break points per game. 

Bane is a big reason for the Grizzlies going 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 16.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in that span. The Clippers have to limit Bane’s leakouts and playmaking. 

2025 All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. (23.2 points, 6.0 rebounds 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks) is another focal point for the Clippers defense. Jackson Jr. is solid in the paint and capable from beyond the arc, shooting 36.6 percent on 3-pointers. 

The 31-year-old Powell (24.0 points) is having a career season and many experts believe he was snubbed as an All-Star. The Grizzlies have to focus their defense on limiting Powell for any chance of a victory. 

The Clippers are favored by 4.5 points and the total is set for 237.5 at bet365. For the moneyline, it’s Grizzlies +165 and Clippers -200. 

This is the second game of a road back-to-back for the Grizzlies. Memphis will put up a fight to cover but the Clippers will take the tight victory.

PICK: Grizzlies +4.5

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Updated on 2/20/25

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