Blake Griffin Injury: Clippers Star Must Gut It out in Game 1

Blake Griffin sprained his knee in Game 6 of the Clippers' series against Memphis. He managed to play 28 minutes in Game 7, but claimed that he could not move as effectively as he usually does.

Regardless, Griffin plans to play in Game 1 against the Spurs on Tuesday night, as he should. A 60 percent Griffin is better than a 100 percent Reggie Evans or DeAndre Jordan every time.

The Clippers need Griffin's presence on the court if they want to defeat San Antonio in this series' opening stanza.

Griffin's interview on The Dan Patrick Show suggests he expects to play in Game 1. When Patrick asked about his status for Tuesday night's contest, Griffin had this to say:

"

I’ll be able to play, especially with part of yesterday to rest and all day today. I’ll just get a lot of treatment. It’s one of those things that it’s just going to get a lot better with rest. There’s not a lot else I can do. Hopefully I’ll feel a lot better by [Game 1].

"

The Clippers certainly hope Griffin feels better. They also hope Griffin is willing to take the court regardless of how he feels.

Without Griffin's astonishing athleticism, the Spurs' frontcourt will hold an advantage and Tony Parker will slice his way to the rim with ease. Let's take a look at both of these factors and why they make Griffin's presence undoubtedly necessary.

Spurs' Frontcourt

Griffin and the rest of LA's frontcourt will be charged with shutting down Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter and DeJuan Blair. Griffin may be matched up with Danny Green or Kawhi Leonard at times, as well.

With Griffin in the lineup the Clippers may hold an advantage in this department. Duncan is one of the best power forwards to ever step foot on the court, but Griffin's freakish leaping ability and quickness would have overwhelmed the 15-year veteran.

Griffin is a shot-blocking presence and outstanding rebounder. If he sits, San Antonio's post players and wings will hold their own on the glass. This will generate second-chance opportunities and hold LA's offensive chances to a minimum.

Griffin's athleticism gives the Clippers a distinct advantage on both ends of the floor. His tenacity slows down opposing offenses, and his explosiveness allows him to blow by defenders.

Tony Parker's Pick and Roll

Parker would run the pick and roll with Duncan all day, if he could. Parker will be able to do just that if Griffin cannot play in Game 1.

Parker may not be a knock-down perimeter shooter but he has uncanny penetrating ability. He has a deft touch around the rim and knows how to squirm his way into small seams.

The Spurs love to send Duncan to the high post to set screens for Parker. Duncan's experience and skill set allows him to either roll to the basket, or fade off the screen for an open jumper. Parker's court awareness allows San Antonio to run this play with stunning efficiency.

Griffin will not be guarding Parker, but he could be guarding Duncan. If he is, Griffin will be hedging any screen Duncan sets. His presence will slow Parker down and stall the Spurs' dangerous attack.

The Clippers need Griffin to hedge screens and make Parker think twice before he finds an open Duncan, or takes it to the hole on his own.

Momentum

The Clippers need to establish momentum against the Western Conference's No. 1 seed Tuesday night. Winning Game 1 is the first step in this hopeful process.

Griffin's presence is important to a Clipper victory and stealing momentum from the veteran-laden Spurs. His inspired effort will fire up his teammates and give their fanbase reason to believe an upset is possible.

If the Spurs grab Game 1 and figure out a winning formula, they will be very difficult to beat. But if the Clippers can nab Game 1 the landscape of the series is forever altered.

The Clippers have nothing to lose at this point. An upset would mean the world to their maligned franchise, and it hinges on Griffin's health.

Griffin could play Game 1, hurt himself further and not be available the rest of the series. But if you want to beat the best, those are the risks you have to take.