Golden State Warriors will be travelling to Memphis for their intraconference matchup against the Grizzlies
Golden State Warriors have the best record in NBA (tied with the Suns) winning 30 games this season. They lost just 9 matches. Memphis Grizzlies have 28 wins in 42 games and are 4th in the Western Conference. Let us go through the match preview.
The Warriors have faced some injury issues throughout the season. But young players have played a huge part in their impressive run of form. After a shocking defeat to New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors came back strong and outplayed the Cavaliers at home. They are charged up with the return of Klay Thomson into the lineup. Warrior’s current streak – W1.
The Grizzlies have been playing free-flowing and effective basketball since their last defeat against the Warriors on 23rd December 2021. They have won against 8 different opponents with an average winning margin of above 10 points. The teams they have beaten on their season-best record are, The Suns, Nets, Clippers, Cavs, Pistons, Spurs, Kings, and Lakers (twice). This concludes Grizzlies current streak – W9.
Head to head record between Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz: Warriors just edge Grizzlies in their head to head matchups (51-46)
Current season home record for the Grizzlies: Grizzlies has fared good on home court (14-8)
Current season away record for the Warriors at Grizzlies: This would be their first visit this season. (0-0)
Current season Head to head record between Grizzlies and Warriors: Both team putting up equal win record against each other this season (1-1)
Last 10 Matches record between Grizzlies and Warriors: Both teams share equal record of 5 wins and 5 losses in last 10 matches. (5-5)
As per the historical data and stats, both teams seem evenly matched up. Only individual performances have determined the winner on a given date. Both teams have also dominated the current NBA Power ranking standings, where the Warriors sits at the top and the Grizzlies are right behind their visiting opponents.
To predict the outcome of the game is very difficult, but the absence of Draymond Green and uncertainty over Gary Payton availability might weaken Warriors defense which will favor the Grizzlies for a win.
Star Player for Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry
Non-other than Stephen Curry is the catalyst for the Dubs. The team might have got fit again Klay Thomson back to share the offensive load but the ball-handling department solely depends on Steph. With Green out due to calf injury, he might need to play some heavy minutes on court
Perfect Support Cast for Warriors: Andrew Wiggins and Otto Porter Jr
Though Klay Thompson is expected to make huge impact in the game, we need to check on amount game time he will be available for the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins on other hand has been very consistent performer with more minutes on court.
Absence of Green surely changes the rotation for Warriors. Otto Porter will be benefited with more play time and will be responsible for some important clutch plays in the game.
Star player for Grizzlies: Ja Morant
He might not be able to score 20+ points in their latest fixture, but he delivers in every aspect of the game. Defensively also he has proved his worth and is consistent with setting up teammates for an easy basket.
Morant just attracts the opponents’ defense freeing up another team mate to score.
Perfect Support Cast for Grizzlies: Desmond Bane ad Jaren Jackson Jr
These two players have provided the perfect combination of offense and defense to the team. Bane may not be great assist maker but his off-ball movements are indirect assists for the team.
Jaren Jackson Jr also proved instrumental on the defensive end while chipping in with average of 17 odd points in the game.
Team News for Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors
Home team Grizzlies will be without their second top scorer Dillon Brooks due to an ankle injury. They could welcome Steven Adams from Covid-19 protocol.
The Warriors have got one of all star caliber player in Klay Thompson back in the team. But missing Draymond Green due to calf injury would be concern, mainly against strong team like Memphis.
They will be hoping to Gary Payton and Otto Porter back to have some rotation in defensive area.
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