The set-up: The LA Clippers opened 3-0 but lost their first game of the young season this past Wednesday in an 85-83 home loss to the Thunder. They visit the 3-2 Grizzlies tonight in Memphis, opening a two-game road swing that concludes Saturday in San Antonio. As for the Grizzlies, this marks the second game of their four-game homestand with contests against the Blazers on Sunday and the Nuggets on Tuesday.

LA Clippers: LA ranks first in points allowed (91.0 PPG) and 3rd in opponents FG percentage (42.0%) on the young season but wasted a fine defensive effort in Wednesday's 85-83 home loss to the Thunder. Paul and Griffin were a combined 11-of-32 from the floor attributing to the team's 39.1 percent shooting overall (LA committing 19 turnovers didn't help). Blake Griffin (20.0 & 10.8) said the Clippers, ranked 22nd in offense at 100.3 PPG, eventually would break out. "It is not something we can't figure out. It is early in the season and it is a frustrating loss, but we are going to move on and correct our mistakes. We will use this as a learning process Friday and Saturday." Paul is averaging 18.8 PPG and 7.8 APG while three others join him in averaging double digits plus Rivers (9.8) and Redick (9.5) fall just short.

Memphis: The Grizzlies have been known for their defense for years now but this year's team is off some, allowing 102.2 PPG (12th) and opponents are shooting 45.9 percent (22nd). Memphis re-signed PG Conley and he leads in scoring (19.8 PPG) while the inside duo of Gasol (16.5 & 7.5) and Randolph (13.2 & 8.0) remain relevant.

The pick: The Clippers have won four of the past five meetings between the two teams (Clippers took two of three from the Grizzlies last season) and the two adversaries have a history of testy playoff and regular-season battles. At first blush it's easy to say "under" but this is the second-lowest total on Friday's board and my 10* play is on the Over.