The Memphis Grizzlies won game five by roaring out of the gate and dominating the first quarter. \u00a0After that they played the Clippers pretty evenly which doesn\u2019t exactly lead one to believe that this team is going to extend the series to another game. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies (2-3) vs Los Angeles Clippers (3-2) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Memphis<\/strong><\/p>\n On the road they will need another top defensive effort to extend the series. \u00a0A reasonable outcome given the Clippers\u2019 inexperience with success.<\/p>\n In game five the Grizzlies got great production from inside players Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph who combined for 42 points and 17 rebounds. \u00a0If they can match that production again extending the series is very likely.<\/p>\n It also would help if O.J. Mayo could find his shooting range, he hasn\u2019t scored more than 6 points in any of the last three games.<\/p>\n This is forcing rookie Quincy Pondexter into the lineup, who is a much more active player but not nearly the scoring threat. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Los Angeles<\/strong><\/p>\n The Clippers are looking to close out Memphis at home on Friday night. \u00a0They are 2-0 at Staples in the playoffs but even more important than homecourt advantage will be the health of lead players Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.<\/p>\n Both were banged up in the game five loss and I am not sure they can beat a hungry Memphis team without either one of them, let alone both on the bench.<\/p>\n Los Angeles has much better options to replace Paul\u2019s production than Griffin\u2019s. \u00a0In fact reserve guard Mo Williams led the Clippers in scoring last game with 20 points. \u00a0If Griffin doesn\u2019t play they get a little tougher by giving extra time to Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin but that really limits their scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n They better win Friday night because I don\u2019t like their chances in a game seven scenario.<\/p>\n
\nFriday May 11
\nStaple Center – Los Angeles, CA
\n9:00PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0No money line currently listed
\nSpread: \u00a0Clippers -2.5
\nO\/U: \u00a0182.5<\/strong><\/p>\n