NBA Playoffs 2013: Schedule and Predictions

Mike Conley and Chris Paul

L.A. Clippers (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5). 

Game 1 – Sat April 20, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 – Mon April 22, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Thu April 25, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 – Sat April 27, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 4:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 30, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 3, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 5, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD

The Grizzlies have to be upset they don’t have home court advantage in the first round. This team started off the year looking like one of the best teams in the league and now doesn’t even have home court advantage in the first round. If Memphis had been in the eastern conference, they would have gotten the 2-seed, which would give them home court in the first two rounds. This series displays a contrast of styles. L.A. loves flashy, highlight-reel plays while Memphis is an excellent defensive and rebounding team.

Player to watch: Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford has been in the NBA for 13 years but has only been to the playoffs twice. He has been such an important piece for the Clippers this season, but has little playoff experience. Going against a great defense in Memphis, will he be able to keep up the great scoring he has produced this year? The answer to that question may determine the winner of this series.

Prediction: Los Angeles wins 4-2. 

Every game in this series will be close, but the Clippers’ veteran guards will not let a team this talented lose in the first round. With a first round loss, it sure looks like Memphis may be regretting the Rudy Gay trade.