Memphis at Los Angeles

In years past these two teams were competing in the NBA Lottery. Last season they competed in the playoffs. My how times have changed. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Chauncey Billups have made the Clippers a contender. The Clippers also added some other big names in the off-season. But, the Clips are without their full arsenal tonight. Billups is out as is the newly acquired Grant Hill and Matt Barnes. And, Lamar Odom is nursing an injured foot. All of those injuries are significant and I think they make the difference tonight. Memphis is motivated here having been bounced from last year's playoffs by these Clippers. While the names aren't as big, the Grizzlies have a quality core that can play with anyone (Gasol, Randolph, Gay, Conley). Despite the hype around the Clippers, Memphis had the better record last season thanks to a better defense. Under head man Lionel Collins, the Grizz are 86-58 ATS when getting points including 54-36 ATS as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 point range. Take Memphis with the points.