Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks, Moneyline

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How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies

Head-to-Head: Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies

MEM: Score On Every Front

The Grizzlies did what they’re famous for in their last game against the Spurs. While it wasn’t pretty, they ground out a win over the former playoff mainstays. To compete against the Warriors though, they’ll need to keep up offensively.

In their 100-96 victory over the Spurs, the Grizzlies prided themselves on their defense. The Grizzlies held the Spurs to just 35.1% shooting from the field and 36.4% from three. But the Grizz went through their own offensive droughts, scoring just 34 in the second and third quarter combined.

A lot of Memphis’ success came in the paint, especially in the first and fourth quarter where they shot a combined 22 of 34 inside the arc. They only assisted on 18 field goals though, and the Warrior’s defence will force them to succeed on multiple scoring fronts if they want to win.

Grizzlies Key Player: (C) Jonas Valanciunas

Valanciunas FIGHTING for that second-chance bucket ? pic.twitter.com/R66qzHOWha

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 20, 2021

You can’t put a premium on veteran experience. Jonas Valanciunas was crucial for the Grizzlies, putting up a massive game to lead Memphis to the next round of the Play-In.

In the Grizzlies’ win over the Spurs, the Lithuanian international posted 23 points, 23 rebounds, and three blocks on 10 of 16 shooting from the field. He was unguardable in the paint.

He’ll have similar opportunities in his matchup against Golden State, as the Warriors are similarly short in the frontcourt when trying to match Valanciunas. Considering Memphis tends to struggle to score at times, Valanciunas must be a focal point to beat the Warriors.

GSW: More From Everyone

The Golden State Warriors were close in their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. However their biggest issue showed itself once again, as they struggled to score late in the game.

Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins paced the Warriors in their last game, combining to score 58 points. However they found little success anywhere else as their next best contributors, Poole and Bazemore, were a combined seven of 19 from the field.

Curry can certainly carry the Warriors, but his teammates must do more to support him. He was locked up late and the Warriors couldn’t find a way back into the game. They’ll expect Memphis to be similarly aggressive on Curry, so the Warriors must punish them.

Warriors Key Player: (G) Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry this season:

? Led NBA in scoring
? Led NBA in threes made
? Most threes per game in NBA history
? Broke the Warriors’ all-time scoring record
? Broke the Warriors’ all-time assists record
? Climbed to 2nd on NBA’s all-time threes list https://t.co/BOHrpLS3s9 pic.twitter.com/ZKM9wwxv3R

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 20, 2021

All things on the Warriors run through Stephen Curry and he’ll be under the microscope again when they try to take down the Grizzlies.

Curry posted 37 points on 12 of 23 shooting in 40 minutes of play against the Lakers. As Curry was counted on for most of the scoring load, it was actually Draymond Green who was asked to do most of the playmaking.

There is no game after this if the Warriors lose, so expect Curry to be more than liberal with his shot attempts.