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For the third time this season, the Los Angeles Clippers (24-13; 19-18-0 ATS) and Memphis Grizzlies (14-23; 16-21-0 ATS) are set to butt heads. The first two meetings were in Los Angeles, with these teams splitting the meetings. This time, the game is in Memphis' FedExForum, with the opening tip set for 8:10 p.m. EDT. Will the Grizzlies take advantage of their friendly confines, or are the Clippers going to steal one on the road?
Los Angeles is happy and healthy, with a 16-3 record since December began. Their latest victory came by six against the Raptors at home. The Clippers use a lineup that's seventh in offensive rating, per NBA.com, to overwhelm opposing defenses. LA is fifth in true shooting percentage, led by the league's second-highest three-point percentage. Their efficiency is strong from the other areas of the floor and the charity stripe too. The Clippers are middle-of-the-pack in turnover percentage and offensive rebounding percentage. There aren't many glaring flaws in Los Angeles' offense, and they will make defenses pay for allowing open three-pointers.
Quietly, the Clippers are 11th in defensive rating, which people tend to forget becaus e of their offensive talent. Los Angeles is the eighth-best team at forcing misses at the rim and the eighth-best team at forcing three-point misses. They're solid at forcing turnovers and keeping foes off the free throw line. The Clippers allow the ninth-fewest points per game, something that will be important for this game.