Apr 13, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Los Angeles Clippers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 91-87. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

The Clips shot the 10th most 3s in the league this year while the Grizz practically ignored them altogether. The Grizz could play 5 guys 40+ minutes, while the Clips go 9 or 10 deep.

Clippers probable starting lineup:

PG Chris Paul

SG Chauncey Billups

SF Caron Butler

PF Blake Griffin

C DeAndre Jordan

Billups’ minutes will be limited due to Father Time’s nagging injuries, but he’s said to feel fine. The Clippers have more quality depth than Memphis with Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, Eric Bledsoe, Willie Green and Lamar Odom coming off the bench.

The quickness of Tony Allen is likely to be wasted on Billups. An intriguing cross-matchup with Allen on Paul and Conley on Green, Crawford or Bledsoe when Billups ends up missing time could turn the tide for Memphis.

Grizzlies probable starting lineup:

PG Mike Conley

SG Tony Allen

SF Tayshaun Prince

PF Zach Randolph

C Marc Gasol

Z-Bo stands a chance against Griffin inside, but is likely to foul out if Blake can get him on the perimeter and try and take him off the dribble. Ed Davis could end up getting some significant minutes, which could be interesting, but letting Blake shoot 15-footers is a good strategy.

The matchup in the middle poses some serious contrasts, with Gasol’s mammoth, immovable presence inside and deft touch in the high post (for 13 million dollars this year) lining up against Jordan’s athletic and… dunking… blocking shots… fouling… (for 10 million dollars this year.)

Unlike the Eastern Conference’s 4/5 matchup of terribly slow and boring teams, this one has a highlight factory with depth and a serious defense with size — so you could at least argue they each would have a shot against the #1 seed next round.

I like the Clips’ depth and ability to hit the 3 and Memphis’ better frontline and coach, just not their ability to consistently hit shots.

Prediction: Clippers in 7.

Mar 30, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) dribbles the ball around the top of the key in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The persistent Grizzlies leave Minnesota with a win. The Wolves did what they could to try and defeat the Grizzlies, but just didn’t have enough as Memphis won 99-86 to improve to 49-24 on the season, and win their 11st straight against the Wolves. The Wolves, 26-46, were led in scoring by Ricky Rubio who finished the night off with a game high 23 points, and 10 rebounds. Rubio was 1 assist shy of getting his 2^nd career triple double.

The Wolves held a 67-65 lead after 3 quarters, but just couldn’t muster up enough offense against the league’s 2^nd most efficient defense as the Grizzlies outscored the Wolves 34-19 in the final quarter. Mike Conley and Darrell Arthur led the charge in the 4^th quarter for Memphis and ended with 19 and 15 for the game. The Grizzlies were led in scoring by Marc Gasol, who finished with 21.

The Wolves had 3 players in double figures, besides Ricky, both Derrick Williams and Greg Stiemsma had 19 and 12 on the night.  The Wolves were done in by turnovers as they finished the night with 17. Memphis on the other hand only had 10 turnovers as a team.

The Grizzlies shot 51% on the night as the Wolves ended up 43% shooting. Both teams finished off the night with 35 rebounds apiece.  The assists were again going well at first for the Wolves, but grew stagnant in the second half as Memphis ended the night with 25 assists compared to the Wolves 19. Between the lack of ball movement, the Wolves 31% shooting from 3 did them in, compared to Memphis’s 60% 3 point shooting.

The Wolves will get a day off before they are home against the Boston Celtics Monday at The Target Center with a 7 pm tip.