The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for a critical matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Riding high on momentum, the Clippers have secured seven victories in their last eight games, demonstrating their capability as serious postseason contenders in the Western Conference.
As the team approaches this showdown, their star players are showing signs of a resurgence. Kawhi Leonard, who’s been in top form, recently remarked, “We need these wins coming down this stretch right now. You know, it's giving you a playoff atmosphere, especially with the crowd being engaged the whole time.” Leonard has been pivotal, scoring at a high level and helping to stabilize the team after some significant injuries earlier in the season.
In addition, Norman Powell has returned to the lineup, sporting an impressive average of 23.2 points per game after recovering from a right hamstring injury. The Clippers also witnessed an excellent performance from Ivica Zubac, who turned 28 on March 18 and delivered an outstanding 28 points and 20 rebounds in a recent victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coach Tyronn Lue, although having missed several games due to back discomfort, understands that the timing of the return of key players greatly enhances their chances for a playoff push.
The Clippers' recent clash against the Cavaliers on March 18 served as a statement win, ending in a 132-119 triumph. This match saw a superb performance from not only Zubac and Leonard but also from newcomer Bogdan Bogdanovic, who scored 20 points on perfect shooting from the field. As assistant coach Brian Shaw remarked, "For the first time in a while, if not all season, we pretty much had everybody available at our disposal.” This depth in the roster is creating a positive environment and competition for playing time, helping the team grow stronger.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies find themselves in a difficult position. Currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 43-27, they've lost three of their last four games, exacerbated by star player Ja Morant's absence due to shoulder and hamstring injuries. Morant has missed the last three games, leading to significant struggles for the Memphis offense. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged, "Offensively, we've definitely had our struggles,” especially after a tough 115-99 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers where the team only managed to score 10 points in the fourth quarter.
In that matchup against the Blazers, Memphis scored a dismal 13 percent shooting in the final quarter, leading to frustration across the board. Jaren Jackson Jr., who leads the team in scoring, faced a tough outing with only 14 points and zero in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Desmond Bane, another key scorer, managed to contribute only one point in that critical stretch, highlighting the team’s offensive woes.
Despite the challenges, the Grizzlies’ recent performances have shown glimpses of resilience. Jackson has consistently been a scoring threat, averaging 22.4 points a game, slightly edging out Morant's 22.3. If the team can rally around their remaining talent and find ways to overcome the absence of Morant, they still have a fighting chance against the Clippers.
Amidst the battles on the court, Bogdanovic's addition to the Clippers has made waves. The 32-year-old guard brought his skills from his experience in the EuroLeague and NBA to the Clippers after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks. Assistant coach Shaw noted how Bogdanovic has made significant contributions, stating, "Bogey, him coming to our team really gave us a shot in the arm and helped us out in all of those areas.” His ability to create space and deliver on the perimeter has given the Clippers an added dimension offensively.
In his tenure with the Clippers, Bogdanovic has averaged 12.6 points and 3.2 assists per game, with notable performances including an 8-for-8 shooting night against the Cavaliers, where he demonstrated just how dangerous he can be offensively. Zubac, who's developed a fast friendship with Bogdanovic, emphasizes the importance of his contributions, including creativity on the pick-and-roll plays that have opened up opportunities for other players.
The Clippers are aware that this upcoming matchup against the Grizzlies could be pivotal, not just for their playoff aspirations but also as a stepping stone to gain traction as they enter the final stretch of the season. As Leonard prepares for the encounter, he emphasizes the need for a strong overall performance, aiming to create a playoff atmosphere within their home arena.
In stark contrast, the Grizzlies are looking to reestablish their momentum and capitalize on any opportunities that arise amid adversity. With the playoff picture becoming clearer, every win is crucial, and this matchup promises to be a true test of both teams' mettle as they vie for playoff positioning in a highly competitive Western Conference.
