In this Grizzlies at Warriors prediction, the two teams square off in the Western Conference playoffs play-in round at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night. The 7th-seeded Warriors (48-34) hope to make another run to the Finals, led by superstar Steph Curry. The 8th-seeded Grizzlies (48-34) will have an interim coach trying to lead them to the postseason. Read on for more in this Grizzlies vs. Warriors prediction and get our top NBA predictions to increase your bankroll!
Memphis hopes for quick turnaround
The Memphis Grizzlies surprised the NBA community, parting ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the regular season. The Grizzlies, seeded as high as second in the Western Conference, finished the season losing six of their last ten games and earned the 8th seed. They’ll be led by All-star guard Ja’ Morant as they get set to take on the Warriors. Morant leads the team in scoring at over 23 points per game and assists at over seven per contest. Rookie Zach Edey leads the team in rebounding and has done some of his best work on the glass down the stretch this season. The Grizzlies finished 22-19 on the road this season.
The Grizzlies finished just 1-3 this season against the Warriors. They come into this matchup with several key players, including Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane, banged up but expected to play. This season, the Grizzlies finished second in the NBA in scoring. They were 8th in field goal shooting and 13th in 3-point shooting. They finished 11th in 3-point field goals per game. On the defensive end, the Grizzlies were 24th in the league in points allowed per game. They finished fourth in field goal defense and 15th in 3-point defense. The Grizzlies were fifth in scoring margin in the league, 13th in turnover margin, and second in rebounding.
Tuomas Iisalo takes over as head coach for Taylor Jenkins, who was fired in late March.
Warriors need to regroup
The Golden State Warriors blew a golden opportunity to avoid the play-in round with a heartbreaking 124-119 overtime loss to the Clippers on Sunday at home. The Warriors now head to the play-in round, sporting an all-time 0-3 mark in play-in games. The Warriors finished the season 48-34 and can advance to take on the Rockets in round one with a win on Tuesday night. The Warriors are led by their three-headed monster of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Curry leads the team in scoring and assists this season. Butler has been a huge addition since arriving near the trade deadline in a deal with the Heat. Butler averaged nearly 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game in his 30-game stint with Golden State. Green, a favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award, leads the team with over six rebounds per game.
The Warriors closed the season by winning seven of their final ten games but failed to close the deal against the Clippers, forcing them to the play-in round. They have won three of the four games with Memphis this season and Curry has thrived. Curry, in the final matchup with the Grizzlies, poured in 51 points. The Warriors are 17th in the NBA in points per game. They are 25th in field goal shooting and 16th in 3-point shooting. The Warriors, thanks in large part to Curry, finished fourth in the NBA in 3-point field goals per game. Defensively, Golden State finished 8th in points allowed per game. They were 11th in field goal defense and 19th in 3-point defense. The Warriors were 10th in the NBA in scoring margin, 26th in turnover margin, and 10th in rebounding.
Key Injuries: No Injuries to Report.
Best Bets for Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
The Warriors will undoubtedly come into this matchup angry after failing to secure a higher seed in the season finale loss to the Clippers. They also bring far more playoff experience in this matchup with the Grizzlies. Butler and Curry will be near-impossible matchups for the Grizzlies, particularly for a Memphis defense that is continuing to evolve since parting ways with Taylor Jenkins. The Warriors closed the season 7-3 and primed for a playoff push. The Grizzlies closed the season 4-6 and look primed for an early exit. The Warriors also dominated the regular season series with Memphis, winning three of the four games. Butler has given the Warriors an altered identity, a bit more gritty on defense and less reliant on explosive offense. That will prove critical in this matchup.
Take Golden State minus the points.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
All four games this season between these two teams have gone over this number. The Grizzlies have struggled to contain Curry, highlighted by his 51-point outburst in their last matchup. The Grizzlies’ best chance to stay in this game will be to try and score with the Warriors, and they do have the talent to do just that. They finished second in the NBA in scoring and 8th in field goal shooting. Both of these teams can shoot the ball well from beyond the arc, with Golden State 4th in 3-point field goals per game and the Grizzlies 11th. Neither team is particularly adept at guarding the perimeter, however. The Warriors are just 19th in 3-point defense, and the Grizzlies are 15th. Points will rule the day in this one.
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Take the over.
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