Both of these teams had an All-Star join the lineup after the season began, and have been reaping the rewards lately. For the Memphis Grizzlies (10-19; 13-16-0 ATS), it was Ja Morant returning from a suspension. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers (18-12; 14-16-0 ATS) acquired James Harden at the end of October. These teams met in crypto.com Arena already, with the Grizzlies winning 105-101. However, Friday's matchup in that same building should look very different. Tipoff for this tilt is set for 10:30 p.m. EDT. Who will come out on top?
(Published before the Grizzlies game on Thursday)
Memphis has a ton of injuries (Steven Adams, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, the list goes on), but their greatest absence through 25 games was Ja Morant who was suspended. Well, he's back, and the team is 4-0 with him active before facing the Nuggets on Thursday night. Morant instantly became the catalyst for a team that's 29th in offensive rating. The Grizzlies have put up at least 115 in all four games that he's played, well above their season average of 107.3 (30th). Outside of the sixth-most three-point attempts per game, Memphis wasn't doing anything well offensively before Morant returned. However, he has helped them level up and will try to keep the good times rolling.
In Morant's absence, the defense maintained a solid level, ranking seventh before play on Thursday. Of course, with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the mix, the Grizzlies are the best team at defending the rim and blocking shots. Along wi th that, the Memphis defense is fourth in turnover percentage. However, poor defensive rebounding and three-point defense limit Memphis' defensive dominance. That's where Marcus Smart and Steven Adams are sorely missed. Still, the Grizzlies can stifle almost any team this season.