The LA Clippers are the kings of the weekend this week as they will be playing against the Memphis Grizzlies as part of NBA Saturdays on 4th January and then against the New York Knicks as part of NBA Sundays on 5th January, with both games taking place at the iconic Staples Center in the heart of Los Angeles.
The NBA Saturdays game between the Clippers and the Grizzlies will be available for free on Sky Sports YouTube Channel.
Memphis Grizzlies @ LA Clippers – Saturday, Jan. 4
REASONS TO WATCH
- The Clippers might be the best team in the NBA. They’ve already beaten the Lakers twice. The combination of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George surrounded by capable veterans who defend and play with an edge is proving to be a winning formula.
- The evolution of Kawhi Leonard’s game has been astounding. He was a post player in college who continued to work on his shooting and defense with the Spurs, ultimately becoming a two-way force capable of lifting teams to championships.
- The Grizzlies’ Ja Morant is a special talent. He’s leading all rookies in scoring and assists and breathing life into a franchise that is rebuilding after parting ways Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.
- The Grizzlies are building around an exciting young core that features Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke. Morant might already be the most athletic point guard in the league. Jackson Jr. is the quintessential modern big man. Clarke is an elite athlete and precocious defender.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Montrezl Harrell, Clippers: Once considered a throw-in to complete the Chris Paul trade with Houston, Harrell has blossomed into one of the league’s top reserves and an integral part of the Clippers’ success.
Lou Williams, Clippers: Williams is a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year who is showing very few signs of slowing down in his 15th season.
Jonas Valanciunas, Grizzlies: Valanciunas (Lithuania) re-signed with the Grizzlies following a productive second-half stint last season. He remains one of the league’s top scorers in the paint.
Jae Crowder, Grizzlies: Crowder has been productive in all his NBA stops with Memphis being no exception. The seven-year veteran is a quality defender and three-point shooter.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Clippers forward JaMychal Green played parts of five seasons with the Grizzlies (2014-19)
- LA’s Lou Williams was born in Memphis
- Jaren Jackson Jr.’s father, Jaren Jackson Sr., appeared in 34 games for the Clippers during the 1992-93 season
- Memphis’ Dillon Brooks and Brandon Clarke are two of the record 16 players from Canada on opening rosters this season
- Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins got his start as an intern in San Antonio’s basketball operations department before transitioning to the NBA G League, where he served as an assistant coach under current Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and then head coach of the Spurs’ affiliate
