Zach Randolph and Blake Griffin don't necessarily get along on the basketball court, and they'll meet for the first time this season when the Clippers head to Memphis looking to stay on track while the Grizzlies look to boost the best record in the West.
NBA schedule 2014: Clippers and Grizzlies facing off, Zach Randolph and Blake Griffin resume rivalry
The Grizzlies and Clippers headline a five-game slate of NBA action on Sunday night and Lance Stephenson returns to Miami.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzlies have had the Clippers number since losing the first two games to the Clippers in the first round of the 2013 playoffs, winning six of seven. But the Clippers did make the Western Conference semifinals last year while the Grizzlies lost in the first round.
Both teams had high hopes entering the season -- there were whispers of a championship coming from both team’s fanbases -- but the Grizzlies are doing a much better job of living up to expectations. The Clippers aren’t a bad team, but for all the hype to start the year, who lost three of their first seven home games.
There is a lot at stake for both teams tonight. A win on the road against one of the West’s best teams might be the spark the Clippers while a win for the Grizzlies would further establish them as the team to beat.
There are four other games on Sunday, here’s your menu for the night:
The appetizer
Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat, 6 p.m. ET
The Hornets have lost five straight to drop to 4-9, but Lance Stephenson is making his first return to Miami since his eventful series with the Heat when he was a Pacer in the 2014 playoffs. After signing with the Hornets this offseason, Stephenson hasn't lived up to expectations, averaging just 9.8 points per game. The Heat have also shown growing pains after losing LeBron James this summer, but at 7-6 are still very much in the mix in the East. Perhaps a return to Miami can spark Stephenson to help turn the Hornets' season around.
TV: NBATV
More on the teams: At the Hive | Hot Hot Hoops
The main course
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 6 p.m. ET
The Clippers appear to be finding their form again, winning three of their last four after starting the season 4-3. But facing the Grizzlies and the best record in the West, they should have their hands full tonight. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are still recovering from a stomach bug that sent five of their players home before the loss to the Raptors on Wednesday. They still took care of business against the Celtics on Friday and should be ready at home on Sunday -- they haven't lost a regular season game in Memphis since before last season's All-Star break.
TV: FSW2, TSOH
More on the teams: Clips Nation | Grizzly Bear Blues
The dessert
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m. ET
With the return of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant creeping closer and closer, the Thunder can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But at 3-11, Westbrook and Durant wouldn't mind a win or two before they come back. It's not likely to happen against the Warriors and Stephen Curry, who is likely to rebound from an unusually low scoring night (8 points) in Golden State's win over the Jazz Friday night.
TV: CSNB, FSOK
More on the teams: Golden State of Mind | Welcome to Loud City
The leftovers (all times ET)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets, 9:30 p.m.
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