For the second consecutive year, Caron Butler is out for the post-season with a fractured hand. In game 1, Memphis looked like they had full control going into the 4th quarter with a 21 point lead. The Clippers kept their heads up and outscored Memphis 35-13 in the 4th quarter to make a comeback and beat Memphis on the road 99-98. Memphis has a lot of talent on their squad with Mike Conley at the guard, a real good defender in Tony Allen, Rudy Gay at the 3, Z-Bo's back from injury and the big yeti Marc Gasol. Then off the bench they have Dante Cunningham, Gilbert Arenas and of course O.J. Mayo to lift the Grizz up. The Clippers have the size to compete in the paint, and have the guards to keep the tempo controlled. This series comes down to who wants it the most. Both these teams are extremely talented and have potential to go far against this competitive western conference. Tonight the spread is -6.5 for the Grizz. I think this might be a little bit high for the Grizz especially after game 1. On one hand, the Grizz just lost a huge game 1 and now face the pressure of coming back after a loss like game 1. The Grizz are in a fight or flight position right now where they've been hit and they could either come back real strong, or still be on their heels and a little shaky. The Clippers now know what they have to do to stay in a game and what it takes to win, so they have the Grizz measured out. I see this one coming down to the wire to the last minute, and the Clips cover a +6.5 spread.
