Grizzlies vs Warriors

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS: · MEMPHIS: Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Steven Adams · GOLDEN STATE: Jordan Poole, Gary Payton II, ...

For if Golden State sits Green/Thompson/Porter Jr., in addition to already being down Steph Curry, Memphis simply has more firepower in this game. The defensive activity isn’t a surprise - he is one of the very best steal and block percentage players in the NBA - and he remains an elite rebounder for a combo guard, fitting how Memphis wants to be successful very well. Teams like the Suns are loaded with two-way contributors from top to bottom of their rotation. But with the Warriors playing last night in Washington against the Wizards (a loss for Golden State) and the tandem of Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins both logging over 34 minutes, it’s certainly possible that Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr sits them as well as Draymond Green and essentially concedes the #2 even more to Memphis. Kerr has said that Otto Porter Jr., as well as Thompson and Green, will “ most likely” sit out this game. But his range is a pleasant surprise...and also not likely to be sustained. No player’s growth combines with importance to their team’s overall scope of success than Desmond Bane. He has upgraded his game in every conceivable way for the 2nd best team (in terms of record) in the NBA. In all seriousness, Memphis will need to continue to ride the hot hand of Bane if they hope to hold off the Warriors. The youngsters on Golden State can score buckets in bunches if given the opportunity - Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga, especially, but also Moses Moody, who should see significant run if the Warriors do rest players. When his team needs him to be the lead offensive threat with Ja Morant out, he’s been more than up to the task. Over the four game heater for the Grizzlies, Melton has shot 61.8% from beyond the arc (21-34!) and has overall played some of his best basketball. The Memphis Grizzlies have essentially locked up the #2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. But one thing will almost definitely occur tonight in Memphis. A basketball game. A lot of uncertainty abounds.