Grizzlies vs. Clipper: Zbo doesn’t bluff!!

The Grizzlies will try to continue their winning ways as they will face their rivals the Los Angeles Clippers at the Grindhouse this evening at 5pm. Grizzlies look to remain the best team in the league and wish to continue their regular season home win streak which stands at 21.

The Clippers are a highly potent offensive team that is averaging 103.5 pts per game this season; however, the Grizzlies are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA only allowing an average of 92.5 points per game. These two teams do not like one another and should be a fun game to watch.

The Frontcourt Battle

Zach Randolph v. Blake Griffin

This match up is always fun to watch especially for Grizzlies fan. Will their be another double foul in this one for those two? Zbo is averaging 16.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Over the last 4 games he’s averaging 15.8 rebounds. Blake is averaging 23.1 points per game and has improved in shooting jump shots. I anticipate hard fouls and these two going at each other. Zbo doesn’t bluff when he goes up against Blake! Take a look at this:

Marc Gasol v. DeAndre Jordan

Marc Gasol has been having an All-Star level season. He’s averaging 19.1 points a game this season. He scored 32 points (his career high) in 2 games this season. An aggressive Marc Gasol is an unstoppable Marc Gasol. DeAndre Jordan will surely have his hands full this game. Gasol always have been a problem for the Clippers in the paint defensively.

The Return of Nick Calathes

Nick Calathes will make his return from a 20 game suspension for violating the NBA’s Drug Policy. Nick is a better facilitator and defender than Beno is a better scorer and plays well off the ball. The bench may benefit more with Nick as the back up point guard and this may allow Beno to have more points off the bench playing along side Nick.

The Battle of the Bench

Jamal Crawford is the best player on the Clippers bench. If the Grizzlies manage to get him out of his game, the Clippers bench will suffer. Crawford may well be the NBA Sixth Man of the Year again. Grizzlies bench has been playing well after a very slow start.

The Battle of the Backcourt

Mike Conley and Courtney Lee will have to do battle with Chris Paul and J.J. Reddick. Mike Conley is a different player and I anticipate him going head to head with Chris Paul with no hesitation and playing very well. Make no mistake about it, as much as I loathe CP3, he’s still one of the best point guards in the NBA. That should be another good match up to watch. Courtney Lee is playing above his career average offensively and is great defensively as well. He’s going to make it hard for J.J. Reddick to get in rhythm. He needs to keep JJ off the 3 point line for sure! Another great match up, I’m looking forward to.

Injury report

Tony Allen and Quincy Pondexter were out last game due to the ferocious stomach virus that hit coaches and players. It’s likely both will play tonight.

Matt Barnes may be out with a sore left calf he suffered in the Clippers game against the Miami Heat. Chris Douglas-Roberts is having issues with his Achilles tendon and is not expected to play.

Analysis

This is going to be a fun game to watch. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will prove why they’re the best two big man duo in the league. Grizzlies needs to click offensively and defensively to win this game. The Grindhouse will be rocking like a playoff game. Grizzlies will be 12-2 after this game yet it won’t be easy. The Grind will be in full effect this evening.