After playing one of the best first round series in the playoffs last year, the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies will be linking up once again in what is developing into quite a rivalry.
The Clippers edged the Grizzlies in seven games last season to advance to the second round, and Memphis will surely be out for revenge this year. Both teams play different styles with Los Angeles featuring high-flying dunks from All-Star Blake Griffin and athletic center DeAndre Jordan complimented by Chris Paul, while the Grizzlies are more of a blue-collar team that relies on their two post players Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph to fuel their offense.
Both teams are solid defensively, but the Grizzlies are on another level and led the NBA by allowing just 89.3 points per game. The Clippers are no slouch on the defensive end themselves and give up just 94.7 points, good for fourth in the league.
The deciding factor in this series will be if Griffin can elevate his game from 18 points and eight rebounds to over 20 and 10 a game for the Clippers and if the Grizzlies can stop him. Paul will get his points and assists regardless, and if Memphis can shut down everyone else CP3′s contributions will be neutralized.
Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro will have his hands full preparing for the Grizzlies series. Memphis is disciplined, balanced and scrappy, and their style of play may be grueling enough to slow the Clippers down. Although the Clippers have the home court advantage, Memphis should take this series in seven games and advance for the second round.
