If you haven't been paying attention to the Western Conference basement lately, you're missing out on some of the weirdest, grittiest basketball of the 2025-2026 season. We need to talk about the Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Clippers matchup. Honestly, on paper, it looks like a battle to see who can stay out of the lottery. But when these two actually hit the hardwood, especially lately, it turns into something way more intense than their records suggest.
The Clippers are currently sitting at 18-23. Not exactly what Steve Ballmer had in mind when he opened the Intuit Dome. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are hovering right around 17-22, struggling to keep their stars on the court. It's messy. It's chaotic. And yet, the December 15th game where Memphis walked into Inglewood and slapped a 121-103 loss on the Clippers was a total eye-opener.
💡 You might also like: Brown Football Schedule 2025: What Most People Get Wrong
What's Going on With the Grizzlies?
Memphis is a riddle. They’ve basically spent the first half of the season in the trainer's room. Ja Morant has been dealing with a right calf contusion that’s kept him sidelined more than fans would like. It’s frustrating. You've got one of the most electric players in the league, and he's watching from the bench in a tracksuit.
But here's the thing: the "next man up" vibe in Memphis is actually working. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a beast. In that December win against LA, he dropped 31 points and basically owned the paint. He’s the focal point now. Without Ja’s downhill gravity, JJR has had to become a primary scorer, and he’s thriving.
Then you have the rookies. Cedric Coward and Cam Spencer. Who? Exactly. But Spencer hung a career-high 27 on the Clippers recently. That’s the Memphis DNA. They find these guys—gritty, overlooked, slightly annoying to play against—and they just work. Even with Zach Edey out with an ankle stress reaction and Scotty Pippen Jr. recovering from toe surgery, they find ways to win. They’re currently the 10th seed, just ahead of the Clippers, and they play like they’ve got a massive chip on their shoulder.
The Clippers and the Intuit Dome Curse
What is happening in Inglewood? The Clippers have been struggling at home. It’s supposed to be this high-tech basketball mecca, but they’ve had stretches where they couldn't buy a win in their own building. Before a recent bounce-back, they lost eight straight at home. Eight.
Kawhi Leonard is still Kawhi. He’s averaging about 28 points a game and shooting nearly 50% from the field. He’s efficient, he’s quiet, he’s a machine. But the support system is shaky. James Harden is 36 now. He’s still dropping 8 assists a night, but the explosive scoring isn't there every game.
The Clippers' roster is a weird mix of legends and role players. You’ve got Chris Paul—at 40 years old—still trying to organize the offense. You’ve got John Collins and Ivica Zubac doing the dirty work inside. On some nights, they look like a title contender. On others, like the 115-146 blowout loss to Boston on January 3rd, they look like they’re ready for the offseason.
📖 Related: NXT Vengeance Day 2024: What Really Happened to Trick Melo Gang
Recent Head-to-Head Results (2025-2026 Season)
- December 15, 2025: Memphis 121, LA Clippers 103 (at LA)
- December 5, 2025: Memphis 107, LA Clippers 98 (at Memphis)
- November 28, 2025: Memphis 112, LA Clippers 107 (at LA)
Memphis has swept the season series so far. They've figured something out. They aren't scared of the names on the back of the Clippers' jerseys.
The Ja Morant vs Kawhi Leonard Dynamic
When they both play, it’s a study in contrasts. Ja is all twitch, speed, and verticality. Kawhi is all strength, timing, and footwork. In the few times they've shared the court this season, the pace usually dictates the winner.
If the Grizzlies can get out and run—which they love to do—the Clippers' older legs start to show. The Clippers rank 29th in pace. They want to slow you down, run a half-court set, and let Kawhi or Harden pick you apart. Memphis wants a track meet.
👉 See also: Why the 2018 Formula 1 Season Was Actually the End of an Era
Right now, the Grizzlies are winning that stylistic war. They’re younger. They’re faster. Even their "backups" like Jaylen Wells are pushing the tempo. The Clippers' defense, which ranks 22nd in efficiency, just hasn't been able to keep up with the Memphis transition game.
Why This Matchup Still Matters for the Playoffs
We aren't talking about the 1-seed here. We're talking about the Play-In tournament. Every game between the Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Clippers is essentially a double-win for the victor.
The Western Conference is a bloodbath. If you’re the 11th seed, you’re on the outside looking in. For the Clippers, losing three straight to Memphis is a disaster for tiebreakers. If these two teams finish with the same record in April, those December games are going to haunt Tyronn Lue.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're watching this matchup or looking at the lines, keep these specifics in mind.
- Watch the Injury Report: Memphis is a different team without Ja, but they are also missing Zach Edey's size. If Zubac is healthy, he should dominate the boards against a smaller Memphis frontcourt.
- The Home Court Factor: The Intuit Dome hasn't been a fortress. Don't automatically give the Clippers the edge just because they're at home. They’ve actually performed better in some road spots recently.
- The Youth vs. Experience Gap: Memphis relies on energy. If the game is the second night of a back-to-back, advantage Memphis. If it’s a slow-paced, high-stakes game with plenty of rest, trust Kawhi’s experience.
- The Three-Point Line: The Clippers are a top-10 team in 3P% (around 36.7%). Memphis is one of the worst scoring offenses this year. If the Clippers hit their shots early, Memphis doesn't always have the firepower to come back.
The next time these two meet, don't just look at the standings. Look at the styles. It’s a battle of philosophies: the aging superstars trying to hold on versus the young, hungry "Grit and Grind" 2.0. Memphis has the momentum, but you can never count out a healthy Kawhi Leonard in a must-win scenario.