What better way to close out our Sunday than by enjoying an NBA DFS Showdown Slate with the Grizzlies traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers. Before we get any further though, we cannot ignore the fact that Ja Morant will not be in action after being suspending for two games by Memphis. The Grizzlies will also be without Brendan Clarke, so we will have to see who steps up to fill the void. Now, let us dig into some picks for tonight’s matchup. 

Injuries

Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant – Out

Steven Adams – Out

Brandon Clarke – Out

Dillon Brooks - Out

Los Angeles Clippers

Ivica Zubac – Questionable (calf)

Norman Powell – Out

NBA DFS Showdown Slate Picks

MVP/Captain

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

After Leonard having Friday as a rest day after playing on Thursday, the forward will be primed and ready to go tonight against Memphis. While Leonard only took 12 shots from the field on Thursday, he did make eight of them on his way to scoring 21 points in a loss against Golden State. Things should go better for Leonard tonight as he is averaging 30.3 points per game in his last four games. 

Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies

A night after scoring 30 points, Bane struggled with efficiency from the field on Friday as he made just five of 13 shots from the field. With Morant suspended, Bane is going to see all the volume he can handle and then some out of the Memphis backcourt. He is averaging 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and four assists per game this season while teaming up with Morant, and tonight will call on him to especially busy. 

Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers

We do want to begin with caveat that Leonard was out on Friday and it was a good matchup against the Kings, but this is what we have been waiting for from Westbrook. The guard finished with 27 points while adding 10 assists and it was his third game, out of five, since joining the Clippers in which he finished with double-digit assists. 

Utility

Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies

The Clippers struggle against opposing big men, and with Memphis also without Brendan Clarke, the Grizzlies will certainly be leaning on Jackson. While Jackson is averaging 16.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on the season, the real upside comes in the 3.3 blocked shots he is averaging. Tonight, should be one of the better games of the season for Jackson. 

Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

George generally takes a step forward when Leonard is out to fill the production gap (28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists) but he has also done well when the two forwards share the court together. In his last five games, George is averaging 24.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and five assists per game as the Clippers have formed their big-three. 

Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies

Jones will find himself in the starting lineup tonight for Memphis, and we know what he is capable of when given the chance. On an overall basis, Jones is averaging 9.6 points per game this season along with 4.5 assists and between Morant and Dillon Brooks being out tonight, we know that the opportunity certainly is there. 

Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers

While Plumlee failed to get his second straight double-double after a 20 rebound performance, he still turned in a solid effort with 13 points and eight rebounds. Plumlee should be in line for a similar role tonight as he continues to come close to a double-double on a nightly basis. 

Dart Throw

John Konchar, Memphis Grizzlies

Konchar is in line for an increased workload tonight and while he is only averaging 5.6 points per game on the season, he should hit double digits offensively tonight almost by default. 

Marcus Morris, Los Angeles Clippers

Morris is healthy and off the Injury Report after missing two games and likely back in the starting lineup for the Clippers. The veteran has not been especially sharp otherwise, but he is still averaging 12 points and 4.1 rebounds per game on the season, so he is worth taking a look at for some salary relief. 

Kennedy Chandler, Memphis Grizzlies

With Morant sidelined, Chandler is next in line as the backup to Tyus Jones, and at minimum price, lets see what he can do.