Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers
If someone said before the season began the Grizzlies and Clippers would be inside the top three of the Western Conference standings through 17 games, you’d probably have told them they were crazy.
But as we stand on November 23, that is the case.
Memphis (12-5) have the Western Conference’s best record, while LA (11-6) are just one game behind.
Mike Conley (20.2 points, 6.1 assists per game) and Marc Gasol (17.0 points, 9.6 rebounds) have both stayed healthy and impressed, as the Grizzlies have shocked most onlookers so far this season.
The Clippers have done the same, and have defended their home court strongly, as they boast a 7-1 record at the Staples Center.
Tobias Harris is starring for LA with 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest, although he’ll need to be on song against the Grizzlies, as they continue to be one of the NBA’s stingiest sides defensively.
The Clippers are still scoring at a high clip with 117.9 points per game – which is good enough for third in the league - although Memphis only allow 100.2 points per contest, a league-low.
The only knock on Memphis so far is their road record (5-4), which could be the difference in this one.
Tip: Clippers -2.5 @ $1.78
Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN) - ESPN
The Lakers (10-7) are fresh off a win against the Cavaliers in Cleveland, in a match that marked LeBron James’ return to his hometown.
LA trailed midway through the final quarter but ended the game in fine form to claim the road win, as they now get back on their home floor and welcome the 8-10 Utah Jazz. The Jazz have lost two on the bounce, and have won just one of their past five matches as they look to get themselves out of a slump.
Donovan Mitchell is still leading the team in scoring with 21.6 points per game, although he hasn’t been at his best all season long.
Utah are connecting on just 32.7% of their three-point attempts, which is only good enough for 27th in the league.
Given they take the 13th most triples, it’s certainly a cause for concern.
James has put in some big performances this season, and is impressing with averages of 28.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.9 points per game.
LA on the other hand have triumphed in four of their last five contests, and should take care of the Jazz here.
Tip: LA Lakers @ $1.78
Portland Trail Blazers @ Golden State Warriors
The Blazers are another side who have impressed to start the season, and currently own a 12-6 record, which is good enough to see them just 0.5 games behind the Grizzlies in first place of the West.
Golden State (12-7) have lost four on the trot for the first time since early 2013, and have struggled in a number of areas.
Admittedly Stephen Curry’s injury hasn’t helped Steve Kerr’s side, although neither has the incident between Draymond Green and Kevin Durant.
Green and Curry will miss on Saturday, although the clash is still on their home floor, where they have an 8-2 record.
Damian Lillard has been the star for the Blazers with 26.4 points and 6.1 assists per game, and historically performs well against the Warriors. Lillard averages 26.8 points against the Warriors in his 20 matches against them, which is his second best ppg against any side.
The Blazers are 5-4 on the road, but are certainly good enough to test the Warriors.
Tip: Portland Trail Blazers +3.0 @ $1.94
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