Grizzlies at Clippers
The Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers are battling for the third spot in the Western Conference playoff race, which only raises the stakes when the two clubs square off in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Memphis is two percentage points ahead of the Clippers and has ripped off five straight victories and won 13 of its last 14 games. Los Angeles has won 10 of 13 games and hasn’t played since thumping the Detroit Pistons by 32 points on Sunday.
The Grizzlies defeated the Trail Blazers in Portland on Tuesday so the Clippers figure to be the fresher squad. Memphis welcomed forward Zach Randolph back from an ankle injury that sidelined him four games and Randolph had 19 points and 10 rebounds for his 36th double-double of the campaign. Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul is keenly aware that the playoff race is on the verge of heating up. “Now is the time, probably in the last 10 games or so, when you really start jockeying for position,” Paul said after the win over Detroit. “Right now, I think we’re just talking and building, making sure we’re playing the right way at the right time.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Memphis), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (43-19): Randolph’s return comes at a good time with the pivotal game against the Clippers and visits to strong home clubs Denver and Utah still remaining on a four-game road trip. Randolph pronounced himself recovered after the win over Portland. “I felt pretty good out there,” Randolph said. “A little sore, but overall I felt all right.” Point guard Mike Conley had a season-high 15 assists against the Trail Blazers and is averaging 18.3 points and 10 assists over past four games. Forward Ed Davis had 14 points and nine rebounds and is averaging 10.2 points and 8.6 rebounds over the last five games.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (45-20): Forward Caron Butler won’t play after injuring his left elbow in the contest against the Pistons. An MRI exam ruled out structural damage and Butler is expected to miss about a week. Matt Barnes is expected to draw the start and Butler’s injury figures to give veteran Grant Hill more minutes. Backup point guard Eric Bledsoe (calf) is doubtful for the contest while sixth man Jamal Crawford (ankle) is expected back after missing the previous two games. Crawford averaged 23 points over the previous four contests and is averaging 17.2 points.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Los Angeles is 2-0 against Memphis this season and has won the last four regular-season meetings.
2. Grizzlies C Marc Gasol has scored 20 points in five of the last seven games after tallying 20 against Portland.
3. The Clippers are 17-0 this season when Paul scores eight or more points in the first quarter.