By Kyle Boenitz, Project Spurs.comThe Los Angeles Clippers were finally able to finish off the Memphis Grizzlies in seven games. Their reward for coming out of that slug fest? They get to play the well-rested San Antonio Spurs.
The fact that it took the Clippers three chances to finish off the Grizzlies is going to be huge for the Spurs. Games 5-7 were grueling, not to mention the fact that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin both got hurt. With such a quick turnaround, there’s no way the Clippers will be at full strength, which is going to make this a tough series for them.
Let’s look at the matchups.
Starting 5 This point guard battle is
going to be great to watch. Chris Paul plays on the bigger stage and got to show off his skills in this past series against the Grizzlies, so I think a lot of people are going to be expecting him to do well and carry the team against the Spurs, but I think we’re going to see an inspired effort from Tony Parker. I think TP is the better point guard, and he’s going to be out to prove it in this series. He’s going to show why he’s had an MVP-type season. Even before Paul’s groin injury, I still would have given the edge to Parker, but now, it’s a much easier choice.
The other interesting matchup is going to be who the Spurs throw at Blake Griffin. In San Antonio’s overtime win against the Clippers back in February, Griffin had 22 points and 20 rebounds. You can bet Coach Pop will have a plan to keep Griffin in check but are any of the Spurs big men athletic enough for the job? This may be the one area where the Clippers have the advantage.
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