
Memphis Grizzlies

Los Angeles Clippers
Highlights
Preview
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Interstat) — The Memphis Grizzlies will look to continue their recent dominance over the struggling Los Angeles Clippers when the teams meet Monday night at Intuit Dome. The Grizzlies (11-14) have won both matchups this season, a 112-107 road victory on Nov. 28 and a 107-98 home win on Dec. 5. Memphis enters having lost three of its last four, including a 130-126 home defeat to Utah on Friday despite 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists from forward Cedric Coward. Coward has been a key factor against the Clippers, posting 23 points and 14 rebounds in the earlier December meeting. Over his last 10 games, the versatile forward is averaging 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists. The Clippers (6-19) have lost eight of their last 10 and are coming off a narrow 115-113 loss in Houston on Thursday. Center Ivica Zubac has been a bright spot, erupting for 33 points in that contest. He is averaging a double-double over his last 10 games with 17.7 points and 11.5 rebounds, including a 33-point, 18-rebound performance against Cleveland on Nov. 23. While the Clippers’ record is among the league’s worst, they have been competitive recently with four of their last five losses decided by six points or fewer. The veteran trio of Zubac, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden continues to carry the offensive load. Memphis, despite its sub-.500 record, has shown a higher ceiling, including a 41-point rout of Sacramento last month. The Grizzlies’ upcoming schedule is daunting, with a road back-to-back in Minnesota and against the Clippers preceding a six-game stretch featuring matchups with Milwaukee, Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Lakers twice. For the Clippers, this begins a critical homestand before a difficult January slate. Containing Coward’s all-around game and finding late-game execution will be paramount if they hope to snap their skid against Memphis. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.