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The Memphis Grizzlies continue their four-game road trip with a second stop in California to face the LA Clippers in the final Group Stage game of NBA Cup action on Friday. This is the first of two meetings in their four-game regular-season series this year. Last season, the Clippers swept the series, winning all four matchups relatively easily.
However, LA enters the contest struggling to find consistency, losing eight of its last ten games. They were on the receiving end of a 135-118 defeat to the Lakers on Wednesday, which dropped them to 12th in the standings. All the Clippers have left to fight for is avoiding an even further slide down the table.
The Clippers’ biggest problem thus far has been frequent defensive lapses and a poor offensive scheme that have made it hard for them to keep games within reach. They currently rank as the sixth-worst team in the league with a -6.0 net rating and are on pace for a 23-win season.
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The Grizzlies, meanwhile, seem to have found a minor spark. They have won two of their last three games, with the most recent victory being a 133-130 win against the Pelicans in OT. This has improved Memphis’ record to 7-12 overall and 6-6 in conference play.
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With Memphis missing its star Ja Morant due to injury, Vince Williams Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells have all stepped up in the last few games. It’s no secret that this is a must-win game for them, as a loss would automatically eliminate them from Cup action. They will give it their all to try to salvage a chance to make it to the next round.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. LA Clippers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
Tuomas Iisalo has five players in his squad who will be unavailable to play against the Clippers due to injuries. Ja Morant is sidelined with a calf strain and is expected to return next week. Ty Jerome also remains out with a calf issue, which has ruled him out for nine weeks.
Meanwhile, long-term absentees Javon Small (toe), Brandon Clarke (knee) and Scottie Pippen Jr. (toe) are still unavailable.
Coach Iisalo is expected to go with the same lineup that beat the Pelicans: Jaren Jackson Jr., Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey and Vince Williams Jr.
LA Clippers Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
The Clippers’ injury list is easing but still significant, with Kawhi Leonard returning to the lineup. However, they still have a few players listed ahead of the game.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (left hip contusion) and Jordan Miller (hamstring) are still recovering. This will be Bogdanovic’s fourth straight game missed, while Miller will be out for his fifth in a row.
Derrick Jones Jr. (MCL) remains on the road to recovery, as does Bradley Beal (season-ending hip).
Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, Ivica Zubac, James Harden and Kris Dunn are expected to be the starters.
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