The Memphis Grizzlies have had a busy last 48 hours off the court, but now will look to calm things down with a win against a Clippers team that has lost all five games since signing Russell Westbrook.
It’s two teams in apparent disarray trying to get on track on Sunday night when the Grizzlies travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers. Ja Morant will miss this one after the team announced he will be away from the team for two games, Brandon Clarke, who is now out for the year with a torn Achilles tendon and Dillon Brooks is serving a one game suspension for too many technical fouls.
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Who can get on track on Sunday night? Let’s check out the odds:
Grizzlies vs. Clippers odds, spread and total
Grizzlies vs. Clippers prediction and pick
The Clippers have lost all five games since signing Westbrook, as the team has over corrected itself to play like the second fastest team in the league. Meanwhile, the defense has allowed the fifth most points per 100 possessions since bringing on the former league MVP.
While the Grizzlies won’t have Morant, the offense has actually posted nearly four points per 100 possessions with him off the floor this season. Further, the Grizzlies defense is likely going to take a hit with Clarke and Brooks off the floor.
Given the fact that the Clippers are playing fast with Westbrook, and the Grizz are more than happy to oblige as the seven fastest pace team in the league this season, I believe the over is worth a look.
I can’t trust the Clippers to cover a point spread this big even though the Grizzlies are going to be without several key rotation players, including their best player. The team has simply fallen off a cliff defensively and the likes of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. can keep the offense afloat in an up tempo affair.
I’ll back the over with uncertainty on both sides.