Charlie Cummings breaks down his prediction and pick for Friday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers hoped to surprise some people this season. LA wanted to get over the hump and be genuine contenders, while the Grizzlies wanted to make noise in the playoff race. So far, the dreams of both teams look dire; the Grizzlies are the 10th seed at 7-12, while the Clippers are down in 12th at 5-13. A lot has to change, and soon, if these teams want to get back in the race.

The Clippers are 6.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. They’re priced at -250 on the moneyline, while the Grizzlies are +205 underdogs. The total for this game is set at 224.5 points. Let’s get into my preview, prediction and pick for this Grizzlies vs. Clippers game.

Grizzlies vs. Clippers prediction, preview

Injuries have taken a real toll on the Memphis Grizzlies this season, especially in the backcourt. They’re missing Ja Morant, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Javon Small; that’s essentially 1-4 on the point guard depth chart. For a team that was reliant on that backcourt creation to fuel the offense, this has been a devastating blow. Last year’s team was in the top five in most offensive metrics; this year, they’re in the bottom five.

The trainer’s table hasn’t been kind to the Clippers either. Kawhi Leonard is only now getting into a rhythm after missing the early portion of the season. Bradley Beal is out for the year. They’re missing key wings in Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Depth was the key to this team going into the year; with that depth eroding, it places a significant burden on an aging core.

James Harden has been willing to step up, however. Don’t tell him he’s 36; the Beard is averaging 27.9 points and 8.4 assists per game. He’s back to being a one-man offense again. Unfortunately for the Clippers, that offense has not been super productive.

So, who wins in the showdown between a stoppable force and a movable object?

Grizzlies vs. Clippers pick, best bet

Even with the injuries, I like the value of this Grizzlies team against a battered and aging Clippers squad. I’ll always take the value in a battle between two teams circling the drain.

Best Bet: Memphis Grizzlies Moneyline +205