The Golden State Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at the FedExForum Arena. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Grizzlies winning the first 116-107 on January 16. The Warriors are coming off a home win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, with Stephen Curry scoring a game-high 37 points with eight rebounds and seven assists. The Golden State Warriors are currently in 12th place in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are 13th in the Western Conference and are coming off a loss at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
Preview
The Warriors have been playing below their championship standard this season. They have lost four of their last 10 games. Injuries have plagued them this season, with key rotational players like Gary Payton, Chris Paul and Moses Moody missing due to injuries. The Warriors currently rank 10th in net rating with 118.2 and 3-point shooting at 37.6. They have a -0.2 net rating, including a 22nd-ranked defense of 118.2. The Grizzlies have 10 players on the injured list and are arguably the team most affected by injuries this season. They have lost six of their 10 matches and have had a poor performance at home, winning only five out of 22.
Starting lineup
The Warriors will most probably start with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green. Meanwhile, for the Grizzlies, Scottie Pippen Jr. will start at point guard, John Conchar at shooting guard, Vince Williams at shooting forward, Santi Aldama at point forward and Jaren Jackson Jr. at center.
Betting tips & Prediction
Stephen Curry is averaging 27.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 45.5% shooting, including 40.9% from the 3-point line on 4.8 threes. His point prop is set at over/under 29.5 and is favored to exceed or reach this mark. Klay Thompson is averaging 17.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 42.1% shooting, along with 38.5 from beyond the arc. His point prop is set at over/under 18.5 and is favored to exceed or reach this mark.
Also Read: Current Top 5 Contenders For The 2024 NBA MVP Award
The Golden State Warriors are big favorites to win the upcoming game with a -3.5 point spread and -265 on the moneyline. However, surpassing the 223-point total may prove challenging, as the Memphis Grizzlies have maintained a strong defense despite the absence of key rotational players.
