The Los Angeles Clippers (30-32) and Memphis Grizzlies (23-38) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will broadcast live on FDSSE.
The Clippers are 6.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies on the spread (Clippers -6.5), with the over/under set at 228.5 total points. Los Angeles is a -290 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Memphis is +235 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Clippers vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, March 7.
Clippers vs Grizzlies Prediction, Picks
- Clippers vs Grizzlies pick: Darius Garland Over 19.5 Points & Assists (-122)
My Grizzlies vs. Clippers best bet is on Darius Garland to combine for over 19.5 rebounds and assists. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Clippers vs Grizzlies Odds
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -118 | 228.5 -112o / -108u | -290 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -102 | 228.5 -112o / -108u | +235 |
Clippers vs Grizzlies NBA Preview
Last night, the Clippers went to San Antonio as a seven-point underdog. While they did secure the cover, it is a surprise that they did not win outright given how the game played out.
The Spurs were on the second night of a back-to-back and the Clippers built a 20-point halftime lead, which they extended to 25 in the third quarter. However, the Spurs stormed back for a 116-112- with the help of some Clippers' lapses blocking out at the free throw.
Following last night's loss, it is a quick turnaround for them as they take on the Grizzlies less than 24 hours later.
The Clippers had won six of seven against the Grizzlies entering this season, but the Grizzlies have won the first three meetings this season. However, both teams look very different from the last matchup in December.
Since then, the Clippers have swapped James Harden and Ivica Zubac for Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson while the Grizzlies have traded Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. and remain without Ja Morant.
However, the Clippers still have Kawhi Leonard, who is enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. He scored 30 points last night and has averaged 28.8 over his last 10 games.
His status bears watching on the second night of the back-to-back, though he has been playing back-to-backs over the past month as the Clippers push for a playoff spot.
Speaking of back-to-backs, the Clippers did not have Garland last night, which may have prevented the collapse. He has averaged 12 points and five assists in 23 minutes with his new team. While he is on a minutes restriction tonight, his minutes will not be too different from Grizzlies players tonight.
The Grizzlies have basically been using a 10-man rotation in recent games, though they had just eight players available against the Trail Blazers. They fell 122-114 in that game and have dropped five of their last seven games. Tonight, they should get back Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward Jr.
They have been involved in several high-scoring games of late as each of their last 10 games have had 227 points or more. Tonight's total has climbed three points since opening.
Clippers vs Grizzlies Predictions, Betting Analysis
Darius Garland Over 19.5 Points & Assists
Prior to the trade, Garland was starting to find a rhythm in what has been an injury-riddled season for him and going down with another toe injury.
In his final eight games with the Cavaliers, he had 16+ points and six assists in every game.
He recorded 22+ PA in each of those games. That would suffice as well as the 20 PA he had on Wednesday against the Pacers.
With two games under his belt, he may get 25+ minutes tonight.
However, he should take advantage of this matchup either way. Over their past 15 games, Memphis is 26th in defensive rating while playing at the seventh-fastest pace.
Kawhi Leonard 25+ Points
Memphis' shoddy defense should also benefit Leonard. He has scored 25 points in six of his last 10 games.
He also scored 39 against Memphis earlier this season.
Ty Jerome 15+ Points
For Memphis, they have gotten a lot of production of their backcourt of late, but Ty Jerome and Walter Clayton are two I like in particular tonight.
Jerome is averaging 19 points in nine games this season. He has scored 15 points in seven of those games.
Walter Clayton Jr. 6+ Assists
Meanwhile, Clayton had the most assists by a rookie this season with 14 against the Pacers last Sunday.
Since being acquired by the Grizzlies, he has averaged 6.9 assists per game. He has recorded six or more in six of his last eight games.
Clippers vs Grizzlies Best Bet
- Darius Garland Over 19.5 Points & Assists (-122, DraftKings)
Clippers vs Grizzlies Parlay Picks
- Kawhi Leonard 25+ Points
- Darius Garland Over 19.5 Points & Assists
- Ty Jerome 15+ Points
- Walter Clayton Jr. 6+ Assists
Parlay Odds: +750 via DraftKings
