NBA Basketball Free Picks: Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Clippers
Thursday, January 26, 2012
by Frank Martin
Any chance the Memphis Grizzlies had of continuing to slip under the radar dissipated in the wake of a seven-game winning streak that had temporarily vaulted the team to the top of the Southwest Division standings.
The torrid stretch, which matched Memphis' longest winning streak since March 2006, finally came to an end in a 97-84 loss at Portland on Tuesday night in the second of a four-game West Coast road swing. The Grizzlies have another rugged opponent awaiting them Thursday night when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers – this season's trendy team following the offseason acquisition of star point guard Chris Paul.
Memphis probably could not pick a better time to face the Clippers, who suffered a narrow loss in an emotional, bragging-rights matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The good news for the Clippers was the return of Paul from a five-game absence.
- Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers
When: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, January 26, 2012
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
The Clippers have opened as 3.5-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NBA Basketball Odds.
Memphis Grizzlies (10-7): Playing four games in five nights appeared to take its toll on Memphis, particularly after a 20-point second-half comeback at Golden State on Monday. Rudy Gay averaged 22.1 points during the winning streak but was limited to 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting by the Trail Blazers. Reserve guard O.J. Mayo had a team-high 20 points, his fifth consecutive game scoring in double figures. Mayo is averaging 15.9 points and has hit 12 of 26 3-pointers during that span.
Los Angeles Clippers (9-6): Paul's offensive game was understandably rusty after missing five games. Although he had 12 assists, he scored only four points on 2-of-8 shooting. Backcourt mate Chauncey Billups continued to struggle with his shot, making only one field goal for the second straight game. In his last six contests, Billups is shooting 29.9 percent (23 of 77) from the floor. Mo Williams has picked up the slack, averaging 23.3 points and hitting 11 of 19 3-pointers in his last four.
1. The Clippers are 8-1 in home games at Staples Center this month.
2. Gay has averaged 21.1 points and shot 52.6 percent in 15 career games against the Clippers.
3. The teams have split the last 10 meetings.
NBA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Clippers 95, Grizzlies 89.
Bet on NBA Basketball games with SBG Global Sportsbook, click here!
Related Articles
- NBA Playoffs Betting Odds: Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers
- NBA Las Vegas Predictions: Game 6 of Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Clippers
- NBA Late Friday Night Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers
- May 20th NBA Playoffs Prediction: Spurs at Clippers Game 4
- NBA Playoffs Las Vegas Free Picks: Los Angeles Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies
Category
Tags
chauncey billups - chris paul - los angeles clippers - memphis grizzlies - mo williams - o.j. mayo - staples center