Memphis @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 23, 2017 ) L.A. Clippers 112, Memphis 115

Blake Griffin's return is providing a boost to the Los Angeles Clippers, who look to post their sixth victory in seven games when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Griffin averaged 24.5 points in his first two games since being sidelined for 14 games due to a knee injury.

Griffin contributed 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists as Los Angeles recorded a 106-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. The recent uptick in success has elevated the Clippers to ninth place in the Western Conference as the franchise aims to make a strong second-half run toward securing its seventh consecutive playoff berth. The Grizzlies have struggled most of the season but are averaging 112.6 points while winning three of their last five contests. "I think if you take a look at our past five games, our scoring is up, our shooting percentages are up, our assists are up and our turnovers are down," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "So that's the growth that we've been looking for in our offense."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Southeast (Memphis), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (12-25): Memphis is a stellar 29-of-51 from 3-point range over the past two games, going a torrid 15-of-21 in a loss to the Golden State Warriors and following up with a 14-of-30 effort in Sunday's 114-96 road win against the Sacramento Kings. Guard Tyreke Evans continues to be a force and had 26 points versus the Kings for his eighth 20-point outing in the past nine contests. "He's had that edge all year," Memphis center Marc Gasol told reporters after Evans torched his former team. "He's had that same mentality, so don't take it like he came in here and did something he hasn't done every game. He's come with that aggressiveness."

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (16-19): High-octane guard Lou Williams poured in 40 points and contributed eight assists in Sunday's 106-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets to continue his strong play. Williams, who made six 3-pointers in the contest, drained 24 3s over the past five games while averaging 30.4 points. "I always feel like I can get it going, but to see it early, it puts me in a different mindset, in an attack mode," Williams said afterward. "Once I get two or three early, that way I can just get everybody else involved."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Clippers are 2-0 against the Grizzlies this season, including a 115-112 victory on Dec. 23 behind a career-best 38 points from G Austin Rivers.

2. Rivers (Achilles) is questionable after sitting out Sunday.

3. Memphis F Jarell Martin is averaging 12.5 points on 22-of-35 shooting over the past four games.

PREDICTION: Clippers 113, Grizzlies 104