Game #78: Clippers @ GRIZZ Part Deux—Friday 3/31 5PM

[esqtvd]

let's do it again

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The Clippers have officially listed Kawhi as questionable to play on Friday at Memphis. Unfortunately, LA has not provided much information on the reason behind Leonard’s rather mysterious absence, other than it’s a personal matter. As such, there’s just really no way to tell if Kawhi will be able to give it a go on Friday night.

Kawhi Leonard and Co. are currently fifth in the West with a 41-36 record. They are still battling for home-court advantage in the playoffs with the fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns just half a game ahead of them.

[PeteyPablo]

Per ESPN

TOP PERFORMERS: Dillon Brooks is averaging 14.3 points for the Grizzlies. Luke Kennard is averaging 13.8 points over the last 10 games for Memphis.

Westbrook is averaging 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists for the Clippers. Eric Gordon is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.

LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 8-2, averaging 124.3 points, 43.1 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.0 points per game.

Clippers: 7-3, averaging 117.5 points, 40.7 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.7 points.

[donemilio21]

do we know if Kawhi is playing tonight? Or will he sit and play tomorrow?

[madmaxmedia]

I think he's listed as questionable right now. I would hope that he plays at least 1 of the next 2 games...

GSW has a home gimme tonight, so we could be potentially tied with them after tonight. Let's get 1 of the next 2...

[PeteyPablo]

Per ESPN

INJURIES: Grizzlies: Steven Adams: out (knee), Vince Williams Jr.: out (shoulder), Tyus Jones: out (foot), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out (calf), Brandon Clarke: out for season (achilles), John Konchar: out (hip), Desmond Bane: out (foot), Ziaire Williams: out (foot/ankle).

Clippers: Brandon Boston Jr.: out (tailbone), Paul George: out (leg), Kawhi Leonard: out (personal reasons), Marcus Morris Sr.: out (illness).

[Scoundreldays]

Hopefully Kawhi is super charging his battery for tomorrow

[ejftw]

Another high energy game, teamed with the Nuggets and Spurs (haha) helping us out would be great to get a better grasp on fourth.

[clipperlover]

Per ESPN

INJURIES: Grizzlies: Steven Adams: out (knee), Vince Williams Jr.: out (shoulder), Tyus Jones: out (foot), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out (calf), Brandon Clarke: out for season (achilles), John Konchar: out (hip), Desmond Bane: out (foot), Ziaire Williams: out (foot/ankle).

Clippers: Brandon Boston Jr.: out (tailbone), Paul George: out (leg), Kawhi Leonard: out (personal reasons), Marcus Morris Sr.: out (illness).

That isn't the current report. That was for Wednesday.

It was reported that Jackson, Bane and Jones are playing tonight.

Here is the latest i found on Kawhi:
Leonard (personal) was present at the Clippers' morning shootaround Friday, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

[clipperlover]

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[esqtvd]

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[Wammy Giveaway]

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Clippers have already won the season series against Grizzlies due to meeting only three times this season. In a four game set, you are allowed one free game, preferably after going three straight. In a three-game set, it becomes paramount to sweep. A three-game sweep to Memphis ensures a total psychological edge and dominance over an opponent. It could even be a prelude to an automatic sweep should they meet in the playoffs.

Oh, a four game playoff sweep would be nice for Clippers. They have never had one in their franchise history. They were close twice: in 2013 vs. Grizzlies and 2016 vs. Trailblazers, going 2-0 before losing four straight. So that's why Leonard is playing tonight, to make absolutely sure they sweep the regular season series vs. Grizzlies. Do that, and a Game 1 meeting becomes a must-win for Memphis. If Memphis loses Game 1 to Clippers, they will automatically lose the series regardless of outcome.

For Clippers to draw Grizzlies, they will need to be a 7th seed, requiring strategic losses while being wary of the many tiebreakers they've lost this season for being lackadaisical. Would you rather rematch with Chris Paul now and risk the ultimate loss, or go for a surefire 1st round bye with Grizzlies, then face the Kings or Warriors in the 2nd round?

"The power is YOURS!" - David Coburn, Captain Planet

[madmaxmedia]

I think that gives hope that Kawhi plays tomorrow too, if he was gonna do load management probably better to sit out tonight.

[TheNewEra]

Off to a good start

[madmaxmedia]

Our ESPN win probability is at 80% right now…

[og15]

Airball FT, a rarity, always embarrassing when it happens though

[The High Cyde]

Sloppy sloppy

[esqtvd]

Kennard must be CRUSHED

[og15]

That was erased very quickly, certainly didn't expect Memphis to go away by any means, but didn't think they would turn it that quickly either.

[The High Cyde]

You’re not gonna win many games playing that sloppy on offense and even worse on defense. 20 point leads mean jack

[The High Cyde]

Kawhi needs to get his head out of his ass, there’s a game going on bro