Clippers in Crisis: A Tumultuous Fall to the Bottom of the West
The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a shocking downward spiral, having secured only three victories in their last 20 games. The team’s recent decision to part ways with Chris Paul has only compounded their woes, as they cling to the hope that the New Orleans Pelicans might keep them from sinking to the very bottom of the Western Conference standings. With December now firmly underway, each loss carries increased weight, amplifying the urgency to turn their season around.
A Struggling Memphis Team
In a recent game, the Memphis Grizzlies faced a setback against the Utah Jazz, which overshadowed the much-anticipated return of star guard Ja Morant after a 10-day absence. Although Morant’s comeback brought excitement, it was evident that the team struggled in his absence. The Grizzlies’ defense faltered, and their rebounding efforts were lackluster, especially with key center Zach Edey sidelined until at least early January. This upcoming stretch is crucial for Memphis, who now looks to regain momentum.
Upcoming Showdown: Grizzlies at Clippers
The Grizzlies (11-14) will visit the Clippers (6-19) for the third matchup of the season, with Memphis aiming to clinch the season series. This game, set for Monday, December 15, at 9:40 p.m. CST at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, is particularly significant as the Clippers prepare for a challenging stretch of games.
Key Players and Matchups
Memphis has already shown their mettle against Los Angeles this season. In their first encounter, Edey dominated with 19 rebounds and three blocks, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 24 points, leading the Grizzlies to a 112-107 victory at the Intuit Dome. Their most recent face-off resulted in a 107-98 win for Memphis, highlighted by Cedric Coward’s impressive 23 points and 14 rebounds.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard has been a bright spot, averaging 31.5 points in the two previous losses to Memphis. However, James Harden’s performance has been underwhelming, as he struggled with his shooting, going 12-for-31 from the field across those matchups.
As these two teams prepare to clash once again, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both franchises, with the Clippers desperately seeking a path out of their current turmoil.
