L.A. Clippers vs. Grizzlies in Game 5: NBA Picks



The Memphis Grizzlies will try to avoid elimination on their own court tonight as they host the L.A. Clippers in Game 5 of this Western Conference first-round series.

Unable to do what's been necessary in the closing stages of games, the Grizzlies' three losses have come by a total of six points.

After having their chances to win both games in L.A. but ultimately falling short, now Memphis returns to FedEx Forum with motivation as high as ever.

In Game 4 and for much of this series, the Grizzlies couldn't get a handle on Chris Paul. CP3 took over in overtime on Monday, scoring eight points and willing the Clippers to the four-point victory at Staples Center.

Blake Griffin was also all over the place in the victory, logging a game-high 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting. It was the best performance of his so far in the playoffs.

Another chance wasted

The Grizzlies, despite 20+ points from Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, again struggled to get their bigs going and in the end suffered the consequences.

Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol combined for 20 points and 14 rebounds, hardly the numbers expect of those two talented players. Randolph was practically unstoppable in last year's playoffs and Gasol averaged a double-double himself, yet neither has taken command in this series.

A lot of the credit should go to the Clippers and the physicality they're displaying in the post.

DeAndre Jordan is one of the best leapers and defenders in the league and Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin have been getting under the skin of the Grizzlies in a major way.

Something's got to change tonight though.

The Grizzlies, who had won 11 straight games at home before that stunning Game 1 loss, must win to extend the series and I believe they'll do so.

In the NBA odds, we see them favored by six points, while a total of 182.5 can be found at most NBA betting shops. So far in the series, the Clippers have picked up two covers, the Grizzlies one and Game 3 (105-98 in Grizzlies' favor) was a push. 

Who steps up for Memphis? 

Memphis made an outstanding playoff run last year, taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games before bowing out. This time around they've failed to locate that killer instinct to close things out late. 

I'm hoping they can do so with the energy of the crowd behind them tonight. 

Not only will the Grizzlies need to establish an offensive presence in the post, but they'll also need O.J. Mayo to step up. After scoring at least 17 points in the first two games of the series, he's totaled only 11 in the previous two. 

For a guy that's sole purpose is to provide offense off the bench, that's unacceptable. If the Grizzlies are struggling to get the ball inside, they simply have to take advantage and have their shooters playing well. 

All in all, this has been an extremely physical series and every single game has been close. However, with motivation much higher for Memphis, I think they take this one and cover as well. Add a Grizzlies to your NBA picks tonight, and lets look forward to Game 6.

Play Memphis Grizzlies -6


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