Clippers have played horribly the last 2 games. I commented on the over aggression from the grizzlies and their dense style of play and overplay actually on the defensive end and commented on how Paul was going to light them up if they continued that -- which they did -- unfortunately for me Griffin twisted his ankle and did not return. I have to believe that with elimination probable tonight, Del Negro will look for more of Billulps and Crawford to take some of the pressure of Chris Paul, who will once again dominate tonight if the Grizz continue to not give him a step and play him so close. Clippers need DeAndre Jordan tonight with a hobbled Griffin who still may give it a go tonight.
Randolph and Gasol have been huge in this series as the Lakerman and many others stated, but note that they have also gotten consistent perimeter play from Connoly and with Paul's desperation seeping through his teeth tonight, there's no way he's going to give Connoly any sort of room.
I expect the Clippers to consistently double team both Gasol and Randolph tonight and make other guys like Pondexter, Prince, Allen beat them from the pererimeter. All are shaky jump shooters at best.
Without Griffin though, the Clippers will definitely need to rely heavily on Jamal Crawford (outside of Paul) as he is one of the only other guys capable of getting to his spot at will. Pondexter and Prince should both see some time on Crawford tonight as that is the most logical matchup with Allen guarding Paul the majority of the game.
The Grizz are essentially doing what the Lakers did with Howard and Gasol playing a duel high low post with Gasol the Center at the high elbow and Randolph on the block. That has worked to perfection thus far and it's obvious the Clippers are losing some of their legs having to guard these beasts for 5 games now. But this is a perimeter game for the Clipps and they have to speed up the tempo to win this game.
$350 on the Clips +235
$220 on the Clippers +6 -110
It doesn't make sense to take the series price here considering it's ranging around +350. There's more value in betting game 7 separately if it gets there.