Clippers Survive Game 7 In Memphis, Beat Clippers 82-72

The Well-Kept Secret Of The L.A. Clippers' Bench

During the regular season, the Clippers' bench was one of the least productive in the NBA. During the playoffs, it's been among the best. What has changed?

Grizzlies Vs. Clippers, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 7 Final Score: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Win 82-72

The Clipper and Grizzlies might not have provided the best basketball experience of the NBA Playoffs first round, but Los Angeles and Memphis sure provided the best viewing experience. What a series.

All that comes to an end Sunday as the Clippers were able to hold off the Grizzlies in a rough-and-tumble Game 7 in Memphis, winning 82-72. Los Angeles advances to face the Spurs. Game 1 tips on Tuesday in San Antonio.

The (sponsor) message: BELIEVE in your SMELLF!

So... The Clippers are in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. This is a real, true sentence! Say it aloud. Check out that mouthfeel. Strange, right? Well, it's just the second time that it can be said since the team moved to Los Angeles in 1984.

Here's what you need to know from the game:

Player of the Game

Chris Paul finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists and two steals. The Clippers don't win this game without their bench, but those guys are irrelevant without CP3.

GIF of the Game

Yup, that's definitely a basketball play.

Lasting Image of the Game

Spot the trend? This was a physical series. PLAYOFF BASKETBALL, etc.

Catch up with the best of Game 7 on our Clippers vs. Grizzlies StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Clippers, please visit Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, head on over to Straight Outta Vancouver.

What's Next For Chris Paul, Clippers?

Editor's note: This column was originally published on May 13 when the Clippers faced a Game 7 in the first round. Given it that it deals with the future of the Clippers and L.A. was eliminated on Sunday, we are republishing it now.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Grizzlies Vs. Clippers Game 7: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Memphis Grizzlies gave up a 27 point lead in Game 1 and went into a 3-1 hole, but have forced a Game 7 against a hobbled Los Angeles Clippers team.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 6 Final Score: Memphis Rides Bigs To 90-88 Win

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin both picked up slight injuries in Game 5 of the Los Angeles Clippers' series against the Memphis Grizzlies, and they were obviously affected on Friday night. Both players were far from their best on their home floor, and due to their struggles, they'll have to play a Game 7 in Memphis. The Grizzlies won their second straight game in the series on Friday, taking Game 6 at the STAPLES Center, 90-88.

Zach Randolph had a big game down low with 18 points and 16 rebounds, though his performance will probably be more remembered for this interesting three-point shot attempt than the good things that he did. Marc Gasol also had a big game with 23 points and nine rebounds while Tony Allen was stellar defensively and finished plus-15 in net points.

Paul looked like a shell of the best version of himself with 11 points and seven assists before he fouled out. He took just nine shots on the night and did not have his usual explosiveness. Griffin finished with 17 points and five rebounds.

The Clippers held an eight-point lead with eight minutes left in the game, but their offense dried up while Memphis began to look sharper on the offensive end. The big turning point in the game came with 6:28 remaining, when Rudy Gay made a runner while being fouled by Nick Young and hit the ensuing free throw to put the Grizzlies up by two points.

While down four points with under a minute remaining, the Clippers were gifted a chance to get back into the game, but threw it away. Allen went to the line and missed both free throws, but Randy Foye stepped on the baseline while grabbing the rebound, giving the ball back to Memphis. Despite that mistake, the Clippers got back to within two points with three seconds remaining, but did not foul and allowed the clock to run out to give Memphis the victory.

For complete coverage of Friday's Game 6, keep checking this StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Clippers, please visit Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, head on over to Straight Outta Vancouver.

Blake Griffin, Flopper? Narrative Doesn't Match Reality

The media narrative of "Blake Griffin as flopper" has taken on a life of its own. The narrative is no longer particularly interested in the reality of what is happening in the game.

Injury Update: Blake Griffin (Hip), Chris Paul (Knee) Game-Time Decisions

The Clippers' two stars are both a little bit banged up for Friday's Game 6, and it was announced they'd be game-time decisions. Marc Stein tweeted the news:

Clippers announce that Blake Griffin (sprained left knee) andChris Paul (strained right hip) are game-time decisions for Game 6 vs. Grizz

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 11, 2012

Ramona Shelburne from ESPN Los Angeles gave additional news:

Spoke with Vinny Del Negro a little while ago. Said CP3 and Blake had been getting treatment all day. Both very sore/stiff. Will try to play

— ramonashelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 11, 2012

You have to imagine that the Clippers won't go to war with a potential series-ending victory on the line without their two best players. After all, they are coached by Vinny Del Negro, who is a noted bad decision enthusiast, and continued to play a gimpy Paul in Game 5. And the alternatives are bleak: major minutes for a talented defender and questionable shooter in Eric Bledsoe and a starting spot for Reggie Evans, who has been a revelation off the bench, but whose energy might be needed to anchor the squad's second unit.

Why Would Vinny Del Negro Play An Injured Chris Paul?

When Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro put an injured Chris Paul back into Game 5 in Memphis Wednesday night, he stupidly risked further injury to the player most responsible for three L.A. wins, and in so doing risked the entire series.

Blake Griffin Injury: MRI On Left Knee Scheduled For Thursday

Blake Griffin went down with an apparent knee injury Wednesday as the Clippers battled the Grizzlies in Game 5 of their NBA playoff matchup. After returning briefly to shoot his free throws, Griffin headed to the bench for further evaluation but did return to the game for the stretch run. One would think he'd be good to go for the rest of the series, but the Clippers are planning to reevaluate him on Thursday.

Following the game, the team told reporters Griffin would undergo an MRI on his left knee after returning to Los Angeles.

#Clippers Blake Griffin will have an MRI on his knee tomorrow in Los Angeles

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 10, 2012

The MRI could be precautionary, just to make sure no damage was done in the spill, but with Chris Paul already hobbled it is cause for some concern. We'll be back with more on Griffin as it becomes available.

Chris Paul's Injury A Strained Right Hip Flexor, According To Report

Despite initial reports that Chris Paul aggravated his groin injury Wednesday night, it appears he actually injured his hip late in the fourth quarter of the Clippers' loss to the Grizzlies. Paul suffered the injury while battling for a rebound, grabbing his groin as he came down. He then struggled to shake off the injury's effects, eventually sitting out the last 90 seconds of the game.

Following the game, though, Paul's injury was changed to a right hip flexor strain. Coach Vinny Del Negro said he expects Paul and Blake Griffin, who suffered a knee injury but returned to the game, to be fine, though he was waiting for more information from the training staff. Whether it was a hip flexor or groin injury, Paul was ineffective after coming up lame, making his recovery something worth monitoring going forward.

Grizzlies Vs. Clippers, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Final Score, Memphis Wins 92-80 To Extend Series

The Memphis Grizzlies have fought off elimination at home, forcing a Game 6 in L.A.. The Los Angeles Clippers' offense was poor Wednesday night in a loss, but they might have lost more than the game. Chris Paul suffered a groin injury near the end of the Clippers' 92-80 loss, and his injury status could have a serious effect on his team going forward if he's not available, or even 100 percent, heading into Game 6.

Paul, by his high standards, did not have a great night, with 19 points and just four assists. Mo Williams had 20 points off the bench for the Clippers, but needed 21 shots to reach that mark.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph had good nights for the Grizzlies, but they did so much in the first half that they didn't need to put up huge numbers in the second. Gasol finished with 23 points while Randolph finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Clippers lead the series 3-2 as it heads back to Los Angeles. They'll be favorites in Game 6 if Chris Paul is ready to go, but his injury status is up in the air as of Wednesday night. Blake Griffin also got a little banged up and had to come out a couple of times, but was still able to play nearly 40 minutes.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Chris Paul Injury: Clippers Star Strains Groin, Sits Out Final 90 Seconds

The Los Angeles Clippers are on their way to losing Game 5 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night, but they may have bigger problems. Star guard Chris Paul reaggravated the groin injury he suffered late in the regular season. After trying to play through the pain, he was taken out with a minute and a half remaining.

It's unclear when Paul specifically suffered the injury, but it looks like the pain began when he tried to make a crossover against Quincy Pondexter. Here's video of that.

On the next possession, Paul tried fighting for a defensive rebound and came down awkwardly on his groin. The Clippers are diagnosing the injury as a strained groin. His status for Game 6 will become more clear after the game.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Blake Griffin Injury: Clippers Star Goes Down Holding Knee, Stays In Game, Gets Booed By Grizzlies Fans

Injuries have dominated this year's NBA Playoffs, and they had a chance to claim another superstar. Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin just fell to the floor clutching his left knee after driving to the basket late in the third quarter of the team's Game 5 contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. He stayed down for a while as the Clippers surrounded him, but eventually walked off on his own power and stayed in the game.

Griffin made a move on Marc Gasol and drew a foul trying to elevate on him. Griffin fell down awkwardly on his left foot and immediately clutched it.

However, after staying on the ground for several minutes, Griffin hobbled back into the game and has tried to fight through the pain. Because of that, ostensibly, the Grizzlies fans booed, thinking he was faking the injury.

I know the Clippers have been flopping a lot, but Griffin isn't faking that injury. Those Grizzlies fans deserve the scorn they got from TNT's Chris Webber, who called their actions "classless."

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Memphis Grizzlies Fan Does Not Like Clippers' Flopping, Speaks For All Of Us

Many people on Twitter are tired of the Los Angeles Clippers flopping. This one Memphis Grizzlies fan speaks for all those people here.

UPDATE: Upon closer inspection, this gentleman is wearing a great, great mask and an awesome Star Wars shirt. Well done, sir.

Chris Paul Is The Difference In Clippers' Series Vs. Grizzlies

The Clippers took a commanding 3-1 lead in their first round playoff series with Memphis, on the strength of a virtuoso overtime performance from Chris Paul. Paul is, plain and simple, the difference in the series.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 4: Los Angeles Wins In Overtime, 101-97

The Los Angeles Clippers took a 3-1 lead in their first-round series with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, thrilling the Staples Center crowd with a 101-97 overtime victory.

The Clippers took a six-point lead into halftime, but the Grizzlies battled back, attempting to even up the series. Memphis reeled off an 11-1 run late in the fourth quarter to help them tie the game, 87-87, sending the game into overtime.

Chris Paul had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but was unable to get a shot off. He made up for it, though, with eight points in overtime. The Clippers went up 99-93 with just under 45 seconds left in the extra period, but the Grizzlies wouldn't quit, cutting the deficit to two points with eight seconds left in the game. Mo Williams was fouled and sank both of his free throws to go up 101-97 with 7.2 remaining. A three-point attempt by Rudy Gay didn't fall, and the Clippers grabbed the rebound to end the game.

Blake Griffin led all scorers in the game with 30 points, but Paul was close behind with 27 points and nine rebounds.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies: The Only Competitive First-Round Playoff Series

In a playoff season that has featured far too many blowouts and few competitive series, the Clippers and Grizzlies are engaged in an exciting struggle between two evenly-matched teams.

VIDEO: Rudy Gay Misses Game-Winning Shot At Buzzer

The Los Angeles Clippers very nearly blew Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. Up six with under 30 seconds left, they let Rudy Gay sandwich two long threes around one Clippers made free throw, which cut the lead to one point. After two missed free throws by Eric Bledsoe, the Grizzlies had a chance to win the game in the final seconds.

They didn't call timeout, and ended up with a missed shot by Gay at the buzzer.

A lot is going on in this play, so let's break it down. Essentially, the Grizzlies ran a set play for Gay coming off a screen on the baseline. Problem is, the play took so long to develop that all they were able to get was the contested jumper. It probably would have been smarter for point guard Mike Conley to abort the set and just attack the basket. Good things happen when you try to get to the rim.

In any event, the shot fell off, and coach Lionel Hollins reacted appropriately.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 3 Final Score: L.A. Escapes With 87-86 Win

Despite some poor free-throw shooting down the stretch, the Los Angeles Clippers escaped game three with an 87-86 win. The victory gives the Clippers a 2-1 lead in the best of seven series.

The Clippers led by six points with 23 seconds to play, but missed five of their final six free throws and Memphis used two Rudy Gay three-pointers to cut the lead to one. The Grizzlies had a shot to win the game, but Gay's three-pointer as time expired was off and the Clippers escaped.

Chris Paul finished with 24 points and 11 assists leading the way for Los Angeles. Blake Griffin and Randy Foye also finished in double figures with 17 and 16 points respectively.

Gay led the Grizzlies in scoring with 24 while Marc Gasol posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Zach Randolph also finished with 17 points for Memphis.

Game 4 of the series is scheduled for Monday May 7, at 10:30 p.m. ET

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over toClips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

GIF: Overwhelmed Clippers Fan Is Overwhelmed

Los Angeles Clippers fans haven't attended a home playoff game in six years, so I'll cut this one some slack for looking a bit out of sorts, to say the least.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

VIDEO: Marc Gasol, Blake Griffin, Zach Randolph Get Into Skirmish

Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers has officially gotten chippy. Clippers forward Blake Griffin already picked up one technical on Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph earlier in the game. Here, he almost picked up another.

Griffin was fouled on the play by Marc Gasol, who spends the majority of this video whining about what was a pretty obvious call. Meanwhile, Griffin kept driving to the rim and got clotheslined by Randolph, sending everyone together. Luckily for the Clippers, Chris Paul pulled Griffin away from the scrum just before he could get called for his second technical.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Caron Butler Injury Update: Clippers' Forward To Start Game 3 Despite Fractured Hand

Caron Butler earned the name "Tuff Juice" during his time with the Washington Wizards several years ago, and he is still living up to that nickname. Butler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, will start the team's critical Game 3 of their 2012 NBA Playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies despite having a fractured left hand. Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times has the news.

The decision was made after Butler practiced Friday and after he saw a hand specialist Thursday, the sources said. Butler, who is right-handed, did some shooting at practice with a brace on his hand.

Butler suffered the injury in the Clippers' Game 1 win, and without him, Los Angeles struggled to guard Rudy Gay in a Game 2 loss. The original diagnosis suggested a 4-6-week timetable for his recovery, according to Turner. Instead, Butler will return to the lineup in six days.

Game 3 between the Clippers and Grizzlies is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Clippers Vs. Grizzlies Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Clippers and Grizzlies are tied and headed to Los Angeles in what looks like the most evenly matched series in the playoffs.

Grizzlies' Bizarre Make-Up Is Why We Fear Memphis

The Grizzlies did something completely absurd on Wednesday: beat a lights-out Chris Paul club by ... forcing a ton of turnovers. This is why no one likes the prospect of facing Memphis.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs 2012: Memphis Bounces Back To Even Series

Coming into Game 2, many wondered how the Memphis Grizzlies would respond after blowing a 24-point fourth-quarter lead in their 2012 NBA Playoffs opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. In the end, the Grizzlies responded by being themselves, grinding out a 105-98 win to knot the series at one.

The game was physical throughout, with the Clippers staying within striking distance through the third quarter. But then Memphis pulled away early in the fourth quarter, taking a 13-point lead on a Rudy Gay jumper with 3:52 remaining. The Clippers made one last push, but Memphis held it off to pick up the win.

Six Grizzlies players scored in double figures, led by 21 points from Gay. O.J. Mayo added 20 off the bench, and Mike Conley had 19. Chris Paul had a game-high 29 points to keep the Clippers in it, but it wasn't enough.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

VIDEO: Blake Griffin Dunks From Very Far Away

Where do you guys think Blake Griffin took off from on this dunk? Nashville? Chattanooga? Knoxville? Lexington? Wherever it was, it was a long way outside the paint.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Grizzlies Vs. Clippers Game 2: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies will play Game 2 of their playoff series on Wednesday night. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead.

Chris Paul Is Never Out Of A Game

Chris Paul has led the Clippers to some exciting come from behind victories this season, but none more amazing or more important than their Game 1 win over Memphis.

The Clippers Shock The Grizzlies, And The NBA Playoffs Are Officially Back

Chris Paul and the Clippers stunned the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday with a comeback that included a 28-3 run, and ended with a Game 1 win on the road. It's nice to have NBA Playoffs back in our lives.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies Final Score: Los Angeles Completes Incredible Comeback, 99-98

There are no real words to describe what happened in Memphis on Sunday night. The Los Angeles Clippers were as good as dead in the fourth quarter, trailing by 23 as it began and struggling to make any kind of headway against the Grizzlies. It was all but over, and most had given up on the game.

And then, with about eight minutes to go, Memphis suddenly went completely cold. There was no semblance of offensive rhythm and no buckets to show for it. At the same time, the Clippers were suddenly revived on the offensive end. Shots started falling, players were getting open and, surprisingly, Memphis was in trouble.

The Grizzlies lead dwindled to 16, then nine, then, in the final minute, it was gone. The Clippers took the lead for the first time in the game with 50 seconds to go, inching ahead 97-96 on a Reggie Evans lay-in. Memphis answered with a Rudy Gay two, but Chris Paul sunk two free throws on the other end with 23 seconds to go to retake the lead.

The Grizzlies' final possession ended with a contested shot by Gay, and the Clippers had done it. A 28-3 run to end the game brought Los Angeles all the way back, and the Clippers pulled off the most improbable of wins, 99-98.

Memphis fans, your thoughts?

What a wild night.

Caron Butler Injury: Clippers' Forward Fractures Hand During Game 1 Vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Clippers are already getting dismantled by the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series, and the news just keeps getting worse. Starting small forward Caron Butler suffered a fractured left hand in the third quarter and is likely to miss a lot of time with the injury.

It's not immediately clear when Butler suffered the injury, but he was taken out of the game for good with two minutes and 38 seconds left in the third quarter. The team announced the news shortly thereafter.

The injury is another in a long line of ailments for Butler throughout his 10-year career. Last year, as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, he missed the entire playoffs after hurting his knee in December. He also fractured his left hand back in 2007 as a member of the Washington Wizards, derailing a promising season. Butler had signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Clippers in the offseason and had worked very hard to get back to full health following the knee injury with Dallas.

For more on the Clippers, visit Clips Nation and SB Nation Los Angeles.

Chris Paul Injury: Clippers' Guard May Be Limited With Groin Strain In Game 1 Against Grizzlies

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro may limit the minutes of All-Star point guard Chris Paul in their Game 1 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. Baxter Holmes of the Los Angeles Times tweeted a quote from Del Negro at Sunday morning's shootaround, via @BaxterHolmes:

VDN on Chris Paul: "He'll play (tonight). He'll be limited, probably, a little bit."

— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) April 29, 2012

Paul missed the final game of the regular season on Wednesday with a mild groin strain, sitting out in preparation of the playoffs and not wanting to risk further injury. Paul told reporters on Saturday that the groin felt "all right" and he would be ready to play in Game 1 on Sunday. Del Negro, however, may limit him at the start to see how he feels, via Clay Bailey of The Commerical Appeal:

Del Negro indicated possible limited minutes for Paul. "He will be limited probably a litle bit just to see how he feels out there.

— Clay Bailey (@claybailey9) April 29, 2012

Game 1 will conclude a full Sunday of NBA Playoff action, with the tip from Memphis scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.

For more on the Clippers and Chris Paul, visit Clips Nation.

PROJECTION: Grizzlies Vs. Clippers Is Essentially A Toss-Up

2012 NBA Playoffs Schedule, Grizzlies Vs. Clippers: Memphis Looks To Go Further As L.A. Returns To NBA Playoffs

The Memphis Grizzlies were one game from the Western Conference Finals a year ago, and the Grizzlies are hoping their entry in the 2012 NBA Playoffs will send them deeper into the postseason. The L.A. Clippers haven't been here in a while, so expectations remain mysterious.

The Grizzlies won the rights to home court advantage on the final day of the regular season, so the series will begin in Memphis on Sunday. Here's the full series schedule as released by the NBA on Thursday. All times are Eastern.

Game 1 - Sun., April 29 at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Wed., May 2 at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Sat., May 5 at L.A., 4:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Mon., May 7 at L.A.
Game 5 - Wed., May 9 at Memphis
Game 6 - Fri., May 11 at L.A.
Game 7 - Sun., May 13 at Memphis

For more on the Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver.

For more on the Clippers, please visit Clips Nation and SB Nation Los Angeles.