Grizzlies Look to Win Third Straight Against Warriors

NBA action heads to Tennessee on Friday night when the Memphis Grizzlies host the Golden State Warriors. The current line has Golden State favored by 7.5 points with the over/under point total on 215.5.

Entering this game, Golden State has an overall record of 44-8 straight up and 24-26-2 against the spread. On the road, the Warriors are 21-5 SU and 11-14-1 ATS. Memphis on the season has an overall record of 33-22 SU and 29-26 ATS. At home, the Grizzlies are 18-9 SU and 15-12 ATS.

Golden State may overlook its matchup on Friday with Memphis due to playing in Oklahoma City on Saturday where Kevin Durant will be returning for the first time since leaving the Thunder to sign with Golden State.

Memphis is the only team that has defeated the Warriors twice this season. On December 10, Golden State lost to Memphis 110-89 and squandered a lead of 19 points in the fourth quarter January 6 and lost in overtime to Memphis 128-119.

On Wednesday, Golden State routed Chicago 123-92 with 37 assists in the game and 48 shots made from the field. However, the Memphis defense has held 6 of its past 7 opponents to less than 100 points. The Grizzlies are No. 3 in scoring defense in the NBA.

Marc Gasol the star center for Memphis says the team’s strong defense is due to ball pressure, physicality and communication. The Grizzlies are coming off a 110-91 victory on Wednesday over Phoenix.

The explosive offense of Golden State can easily overshadow its efforts on defense. However, the Warriors defense is one of the league’s best. Golden State is No. 1 in the NBA in steals, blocks and defense against the 3-point shot.

On Wednesday, Golden State limited Chicago the 4-for-24 shooting from 3-point territory.

Memphis on Wednesday held the Suns to 33.3% shooting overall and 5-for-23 from beyond the 3-point line. Memphis power forward Zach Randolph missed Wednesday’s game with a sore foot but should play Friday.

Both David West and Zaza Pachulia for Golden State are listed as questionable for the game Friday.

Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its past 6 games versus opponents from the Southwest division.

Memphis is 4-0 ATS in its past 4 games versus opponents from the Pacific division.

Prediction: Memphis is one of the few teams in the NBA that can beat Golden State and its two wins this season is testament to that. Lean here toward the Grizzlies and the points.