Clippers vs. Grizzlies: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Odds for Opening Series

Perhaps no series has a more interesting clash of styles than the one between the Western Conference's fourth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers.

The Grizzlies play stingy defense and are potent in the low post with Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph (depending on how much he can play) and breakout player Mareese Speights.

The Clippers are the highlight-darlings of the NBA, in no small part because of Blake Griffin's gravity-defying dunks and Chris Paul's unique court vision and creativity running the point. They also took two of three against Memphis this year.

It's solid versus sexy, and it's going to be a blast.

Schedule and Television Broadcasts

Game	Date	Venue	Time	Television
1	Sunday, April 29th	FedExForum, Memphis	9:30 p.m ET	TNT
2	Wednesday, May 2nd	FedExForum, Memphis	9:30 p.m ET	TNT
3	Saturday, May 5th	Staples Center, Los Angeles	4:30 p.m ET	ESPN
4	Monday, May 7th	Staples Center, Los Angeles	TBD	TBD
5 (if necessary)	Wednesday, May 9th	FedExForum, Memphis	TBD	TBD
6 (if necessary)	Friday, May 11th	Staples Center, Los Angeles	TBD	TBD
7 (if necessary)	Sunday, May 13th	FedExForum, Memphis	TBD	TBD

Fans can catch games to be determined on live stream at WatchESPN.

Odds

According to Bovada, the Grizzlies are a 22 to 1 favorite to win the NBA Finals while the Clippers are 28 to 1.

Key Player to Watch: Zach Randolph

Nobody turned more heads in last year's playoffs than Randolph, who keyed the Grizzlies' shocking upset over the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs.

But Randolph hasn't been nearly as effective since returning in March from an MCL tear and has seen his minutes limited.

If he regains last year's playoff form, the Grizzlies are going to be a very tough out. If he is only marginally effective, the advantage in this series shifts to the Clippers.

Key Matchup to Watch: Rudy Gay vs. Caron Butler

Here's a fun fact for you, courtesy of Arash Markazi of ESPN:

"

Memphis is 23-9 when Rudy Gay scores 20 or more points while the Clippers are 21-10 when Caron Butler scores 13 or more points. So basically whoever is feeling it on any particular night will give his team the best chance to win.

"

How the Grizzlies prepare for Blake Griffin, whether or not Tony Allen shifts to defend Chris Paul late in game and who consistently wins the battle in the low post between Gasol and DeAndre Jordan are also worth keeping an eye one.

But don't be surprised if the small forwards end up swinging this series one way or the other.

The Grizzlies win the series if...

They keep the pace slow and force a half-court, defensive-oriented game. They beat up the Clippers on the block. Rudy Gay shines. Zach Randolph rediscovers some of last year's postseason magic. They feed off of the rowdy Memphis crowd and handle their business at home. O.J. Mayo is a force off the bench.

The Clippers win the series if...

They score in transition. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have several huge performances. DeAndre Jordan makes life difficult for Marc Gasol. They get a spark from the bench. They steal an early game in Memphis.

Prediction

I love the star power of the Clippers, and they are one of my favorite teams to watch. But the Grizzlies seem like a more complete team, and I think they'll frustrate the Clippers and take them out of their game.

I like the Grizzlies to take this one in seven games.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets always hit the spot, like Philip Humber.