NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Bold Predictions for Game 3 of Clippers-Grizzlies Series

The Western Conference playoff series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies has turned out to be a highly-competitive struggle.

After a dramatic Game 1 Clippers win and a hard-fought, gritty win by Memphis in Game 2, everyone's waiting to see what happens when the series shifts to Tinseltown.

The Grizzlies have been able to ground the air-show known as Lob City, but Chris Paul has still found ways to keep the Clippers alive and dangerous. 

What will happen next when these teams square off this afternoon? Here are five bold predictions for Game 3.

The Clippers Will Shoot Worse, but Score More

The Los Angeles Clippers are shooting well over 50 percent from the field in this series, so shot-making hasn't been a problem.

Shot-creating and second-chance points were the problem in Game 2.

Vinny Del Negro's squad had a hard time finding any continuity on offense, and extra possessions were hard to come by. Memphis did a nice job of slowing things down.

Better ball movement and a better rebounding effort in Game 3, especially on the offensive glass, will help cure this ailment.

The Clippers' shooting might cool off slightly, but the team will score more points per possession than they did in Game 2.

Memphis Backcourt Will Continue to Flourish

Memphis outplayed Los Angeles in the paint in Game 2, but the factor that has really boosted the Grizzlies is their superiority on the perimeter.

The Clippers haven't had an answer for Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay. The trio has given Los Angeles a boatload of trouble in the first couple games, and it's not going to change.

Chris Paul is the best guard on either team. But collectively, when it comes to matchups and chemistry, Memphis has more substance.

Even when they have mediocre shooting nights, Mayo and Conley generate enough offense and make enough plays to keep the Grizzlies ahead.

Blake Griffin Will Outscore and Out-rebound Everyone

Blake Griffin is the most physically gifted player in this series, and Clippers fans are begging for him to take advantage of it.

In 78 minutes of playing time, he's only grabbed 16 rebounds, and just three of them were on the offensive glass.

This is partially due to Memphis' concerted effort to rule the paint, but it's also due to Griffin's underachievement.

The Blake Show will get back on track at home, as Griffin will get more than 20 points and at least 10 boards. His offensive rebounding will help Los Angeles stay competitive.

Marc Gasol Will Get a Double-Double

With just 11 points and 5.5 rebounds per game so far in this series, Marc Gasol hasn't produced the way Lionel Hollins envisioned. Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Reggie Evans succeeded in slowing him down.

After an eight-point, seven-rebound outing in Game 2, Gasol will bounce back and show people why he was an All-Star this year. It's only a matter of time before he regains his place in the Memphis offense.

A mix of mid-range and post offense will get Gasol at least 15 points to go along with 10 rebounds.

Memphis Will Win a Close One

Los Angeles hasn't played a home playoff game since 2006, and it's coming off a tough loss, so revenge and home-court intangibles might be in its favor.

But that won't be enough to overcome a Memphis team that is stronger in the paint and better at defending outside shooting.

The Grizzlies play better team defense and have five legitimate weapons that can score in bunches.

The Clippers, on the other hand, will rely too much on the heroics of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The result will be another close and painful loss for Los Angeles.