On Tuesday, 04/01, the Memphis Grizzlies (44-30) will host the Golden State Warriors (43-31) in a Western Conference match. The Grizzlies have drifted to the fifth spot in the West, while the Warriors are barely holding on to the 6th spot. Will the Grizzlies be any match against the Dubs in a back-to-back situation? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Grizzlies: Not playing at the required level these days
The Memphis Grizzlies will enter the match after playing against the defending champs, the Boston Celtics, on the previous night. They had almost twice as many losses as wins last month, which has now put them in danger of falling into the play-in tournament. This wasn’t the case just a month ago, but some poor play against the +.500 teams has held the squad back immensely.
Ja Morant’s injury hasn’t helped their overall setup. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a bright spot offensively, but his rebounding has left a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Desmond Bane has found his mojo, but the team’s biggest weakness is their defense. They give up 120+ points more often than not these days, which hurts them a lot when they go on cold offensive spells.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Scotty Pippen Jr. | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jaylen Wells | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Zach Edey
Key Injuries/Updates: It will be updated later.
Warriors: Needs a final push to retain their automatic playoffs qualification
The Golden State Warriors will enter the match after a blowout 42-point win against the San Antonio Spurs, as Brandin Podziemski lit up the scene with 27 points(7 triples). It was their second straight win after they lost two games in a row without their ace, Stephen Curry. At this point, each loss can hold them back massively, so the team would like to finish with a big winning streak.
They do have the chops to do that. Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have formed a strong defensive duo alongside Brandin Podziemski, watching the perimeter. Butler has also shared offensive duties, especially as playmaker, easing the burden on Curry. Overall, the Warriors have won more than 70% of their games since acquiring JB and have a high chance of avoiding the play-in situation.
Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Stephen Curry | SG: Brandin Podziemski | SG/SF: Moses Moody | SF: Jimmy Butler| C: Draymond Green
Key Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report.
The Grizzlies will come into this game after squaring off against the defending champs the previous night. They have had some strong back-to-back performances, surpassing 120+ in their last two such situations. However, the Warrors’ defense is not likely to allow them to get near that mark and can shut them down below 115. Overall, I see the Dubs putting up 125+ and the total being in the early 240s.
Jaren Jackson Jr. to be held under 19.5 points: JJJ has averaged around 22 PPG throughout the season but I believe Green will limit under 19 here.
Scotty Pippen Jr to dish over 6.5 assists: Morant can rest for this game or see limited minutes, giving Pippen Jr. more floor time. He averaged over 5 assists a game in March. I believe he will deliver 7-9 helpers here.
Jimmy Butler to score over 19.5 points: JB tallied a shade over 17 PPG last month as he shared the offensive load. I believe he will cross the 20-point mark here.
Brandin Podziemski to score over 15.5 points: Podz put up 14.5 PPG in March, making 2.6 triples per game on an excellent 43% shooting from deep. I believe he will accumulate 16-20 points here.
The Warriors will enter as hot favorites here. They have been in a tremendous flow since the All-Star Break, and the Grizzlies will enter the game after an exhausting affair against the Celts. Overall, I see the Warriors attaining brilliant scoring balance again while shutting the shop on the defensive end. I see them winning by 10+ points.
Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -9.5 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
nba
