The 2013 NBA Playoffs continue today with Game 4 in a Western Conference matchup featuring the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies. The game is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on TNT. Currently the odds for the game have the Grizzlies as a home favorite.
What a difference playing at home has been for the Grizzlies. The Clippers had been averaging better than 100 points in their two wins out west in Los Angeles, but struggled to score just 82 points in a Game 3 loss to the Grizz.
Chris Paul had just eight points and six rebounds in that loss, a far cry from what he was doing to Memphis during the first two games. Paul was averaging 23.5 points in the two wins for the Clippers. He's perfect 12-of-12 at the free-throw line in this series, but all 12 of those tosses game in the opening two games. See a pattern here at all?
Memphis has hit the glass hard the entire series but had a big advantage in the third game. That's how they are going to have to win — muddy offense, lots of defense and hitting the boards with a lot of pressure and emphasis.
It's been a lot of fun to watch the individual battle between Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Memphis' Zach Randolph. Both are All-Pro players that play at 100 percent the entire time they are on the floor. It's been a back and forth contest between these two stars and expect that to continue in tonight's game.
Marc Gasol was recently named the NBA's best defensive player and he needs to play like it today. If Randolph and Gasol are in foul trouble or can't get the physical play to swing in their favor Memphis is going to struggle in this one. The Grizzlies nearly stole Game 2 at the Staples Center and the last thing they want to have happen today is the Clippers getting a win in their building heading back west. If Memphis goes down 3-1 in the series it could be all over.
Look for Memphis to be ready to slug it out in this one. The Grizzlies need a win and this is going to be a lot like Game 3, where rebounds free throws are going to be huge. We like Memphis in this game, even with the low point spread that could cause people some concern.
Free Pick: Memphis 91, Los Angeles 84
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