La Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Predictions March 21st 2025

Clippers Look to Stay Hot as They Face Spiraling Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Clippers (39-30) are hitting their stride at just the right time, riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (43-27) on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena in Inglewood, California. With seven wins in their last eight games, the Clippers are making a strong case as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

Even as head coach Tyronn Lue continues to deal with back discomfort, missing four of the past six games, the team has shown remarkable resilience. Assistant coach Brian Shaw has stepped up in Lue’s absence, guiding the Clippers through a stretch that has seen key players return from injury and reach peak performance.

Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell Leading the Charge

One of the most encouraging signs for the Clippers has been the resurgence of Kawhi Leonard, who has been playing at an elite level. Leonard tied his season high with 33 points in Tuesday’s impressive 132-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The win came against a Cavaliers team that boasted the best record in the NBA at the time.

Leonard wasn’t the only standout. Center Ivica Zubac celebrated his 28th birthday by dominating the paint with 28 points and 20 rebounds, his third 20/20 game of the season. Adding to the offensive firepower, Bogdan Bogdanovic, a key trade deadline acquisition, contributed 20 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting night.

“For the first time in a while, if not all season, we pretty much had everybody available at our disposal,” said Shaw. “It’s tough when we have everybody healthy. We have depth and certain nights it’s going to be different guys.”

Norman Powell has also been an integral part of the Clippers’ recent surge. After returning from a hamstring injury, Powell has averaged 23.2 points per game and has emerged as a primary scoring option following Paul George’s offseason departure.

Grizzlies Struggling Without Ja Morant

The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, are battling through adversity. They have dropped three of their last four games and are currently 0-2 on a season-long five-game road trip. Superstar guard Ja Morant has missed the last three contests due to shoulder and hamstring issues, and his absence has clearly affected the team’s offensive output.

Memphis is coming off a disappointing 115-99 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where the Grizzlies managed just 10 points in the fourth quarter and shot a dismal 13 percent from the field during that stretch.

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“Offensively, we’ve definitely had our struggles,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. “I think we have been trending a little better than where we were at the start of the season.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been doing his best to carry the load in Morant’s absence, averaging 22.4 points per game. However, he managed only 14 points against Portland and was scoreless in the final period. Desmond Bane added 20 points, but like Jackson, he also struggled in the fourth quarter, going 0-for-4 from the field.

Memphis is also trying to reintegrate Santi Aldama, who scored 16 points against Portland after missing seven of the last eight games with a calf injury. Luke Kennard, stepping in for Morant, has struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 8.3 points over the past three games while shooting 1-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Kawhi Leonard vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.: Leonard’s dynamic scoring and defensive presence will be crucial against Jackson, who has been Memphis’ most consistent offensive threat lately.
• Ivica Zubac vs. Steven Adams: Zubac’s dominant rebounding will be tested by Adams, who is known for his physicality on the boards.
• Norman Powell vs. Desmond Bane: With both teams relying on their secondary scoring options, this matchup could be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.

Betting Insights and Expert Picks

• Pick Page: Favor the Clippers to cover the spread with their momentum and home-court advantage.
• Odds Page: Check the latest betting lines, as the absence of Ja Morant significantly impacts Memphis’ odds.
• Expert Betting Guide: Clippers are the hot pick, given their current form and Grizzlies’ injury struggles.

Playoff Implications and Team Pages

• Western Conference Standings: The Clippers are looking to solidify their position and improve their seed, while the Grizzlies are fighting to maintain their top-6 spot.
• Pacific Division Race: The Clippers need every win to challenge for a higher playoff seed.
• Clutch Player: Watch for Leonard to take over in clutch moments as he has been excelling down the stretch.

Final Thoughts

With both teams on divergent paths, this game could prove crucial for playoff positioning. The Clippers are on fire, led by Kawhi Leonard’s elite play and Norman Powell’s scoring surge. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are struggling to find consistency without Ja Morant and face an uphill battle on the road.

Will the Clippers continue their impressive run and secure another vital victory, or can the Grizzlies pull off a road upset despite their injury woes? One thing is for sure – the pressure is on both squads to deliver as the regular season winds down.