Memphis Grizzlies at LA Clippers on Thursday, March 18 looks like a mismatch on paper. Our ratings give the Clippers about a 81% chance, and the Grizzlies would need an unusual night to change that.
Why the gap is wide
The Win Meter reads the Clippers 81%, with a projected score of Memphis Grizzlies 110, LA Clippers 119. The rating gap is 150 points in favor of the Clippers, and home court and rest add about 100 rating points for the Clippers on top of that.
A reading this high has real meaning, but upsets of this size happen. Nearly one game in 5 like it goes the other way.
Recent form
The Grizzlies are 3-0 this season and 3-2 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -8.6. The Clippers are 1-2 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of +2.
The Grizzlies' best recent win was 123-103 at home against UTA.
The Grizzlies were beaten 147-101 on the road by UTA not long ago.
The Clippers' best recent win was 121-96 at home against SAC.
Offense against defense
The Grizzlies score 119 a game and allow 107.7. The Clippers score 113 and allow 109.7. Pairing each offense with the other defense points to about 114.4 for the Grizzlies and 110.4 for the Clippers, a simple check on the Win Meter's projection.
The Grizzlies' offense is the stronger unit against the Clippers' defense.
The Clippers should find points against the Grizzlies' defense, which has been giving up 107.7.
Injuries to watch
Out: Carson Cooper (MEM), Jahmai Mashack (MEM), Javon Small (MEM), Bradley Beal (LAC), expected back Nov 8, 2026, and Max Strus (LAC), expected back Nov 8, 2026.
Day to day or questionable: Karim Lopez (MEM) and Isaiah Stewart (MEM). Their status can change before tip-off.
The season series
In our records of recent meetings, the Clippers lead 4-3, with the Clippers outscoring the Grizzlies by an average of 1.3 points per game. The last meeting was LAC 123, MEM 120.