If the Memphis Grizzlies miss out on a Western Conference playoff berth, they’ll have their fourth-quarter struggles to blame. The Grizzlies (29-27 SU, 35-20-1 ATS) squandered another late lead in a 139-137 double-OT loss to Denver last time out and now must try to rebound Wednesday visiting the favored Los Angeles Clippers (41-19 SU, 35-24-1 ATS).
- Date/Time: April 21, 10 p.m. ET
- Arena: Staples Center
- TV Coverage: NBATV
- Sportsbook Odds: Clippers -4.5 | O/U 227.5 (Line History)
- Grizzlies vs Clippers Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The Clippers came into the matchup as a 4.5-point favorite, but that line quickly shifted to -2 or -2.5 and has remained at that level. The total, on the other hand, has held steady at 227.5, with the OVER and UNDER carrying identical -110 odds.
Memphis News & Notes
The Grizzlies will be kicking themselves if they continue to let games slip away late. They’re just 26-10 SU on the season when leading after three quarters, and could easily be 9-2 instead of 7-4 over their past 11 games were it not for blown fourth-quarter leads of seven or more points in extra-time losses to the Nuggets and New York Knicks.
The good news, however, is as plain as day: This team is operating at a high level on the offensive end, having averaged better than 130 points over its previous three games. Even more impressively, the Grizzlies have had different scoring, rebounding and assist leaders in all three of those games. Looking for a DFS flyer? Consider guard Grayson Allen, who is averaging 16.5 points in April.
Los Angeles News & Notes
It might not always look easy, but the Clippers are once again staking their claim as the top team in the Western Conference. Paul George hit the game-winning free throws with 4.8 seconds remaining to cap a 33-point performance in Tuesday’s 113-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, giving Los Angeles nine wins in its last 10 games.
There was a time earlier in the season when the Clippers might consider resting George on the tail end of a back-to-back – but with Kawhi Leonard out for the next week with a sore foot, L.A. is going to need its other superstar to remain in the lineup. George has averaged 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in four games played on zero days’ rest this season.
Betting Pick: OVER 227.5
Both teams have looked strong offensively in recent games and boast O/U records slightly in favor of the OVER on the year. Even with key players missing on both sides, this one should feature plenty of scoring.
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Buy Sports Picks Now- Memphis is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games vs the Clippers.
- The Clippers are 13-4-1 ATS in their last 18 games.
- Both teams rank in the top 4 in ATS record for the season.
