Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies 5/1/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Preview (5/1/22)

The Golden State Warriors take on the Memphis Grizzlies in the Second Round of the Western Conference. The Warriors are coming off a 4-1 series win over likely-MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors offense was firing on all cylinders in the First Round. They were 1st in Offensive Rating (121.9) while shooting 51.5 FG% and 42.2 3PT%. The defense was solid as well; Golden State was 8th in Defensive Rating (113.9) and averaged 9.4 SPG and 6.2 BPG in the First Round. The Warriors are playing their best basketball of the season right now, and a huge factor behind that is health. The Big 3 of Curry, Klay, and Draymond only played two games together in the regular season, so the First Round was the first time we have seen them unleashed. The only players on the injury report are James Wiseman and Andre Iguodala, who are both out. Wiseman has missed the entire season and won’t return for the playoffs, Iguodala, however, may be back for Game 2. 

The Grizzlies triumphed 4-2 over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the First Round. For the playoffs, Memphis owns the 10th Offensive Rating (111.7) and 3rd Defensive Rating (105.8). The Grizzlies often had to orchestrate comebacks against the Timberwolves. Memphis was down 83-62 in Game 2 with 1:05 left in the 3rd, but they managed to win 104-95. They were down 99-88 with 6:58 left in Game 4, and they won 111-109 on a Morant layup. In Game 6, the Timberwolves led by 10 points entering the 4th, yet the Grizzlies won by 8. It’s concerning that they were down frequently, but it also inspires hope that they are never out of a game. The Warriors must learn from the Timberwolves’ mistakes and never underestimate the Grizzlies in crunch time. Steven Adams and Ziaire Williams are both questionable for Game 1. Adams was played off the court by Towns, but he can have an impact in the Warriors series. If Adams cannot play, Memphis will start Xavier Tillman in his place.

Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds

Golden State was 1-3 against Memphis in the regular season, but they were not healthy for any of them. The Warriors are definitely the favorite in this series. The spread for Game 1 is +2 Grizzlies, and I am going with the Warriors to cover the spread. Golden State will have three full days of rest before Game 1, while Memphis will only have one full day. The Warriors are a more talented team with championship experience. They have three of the four best players in this series along with the depth to match the Grizzlies. For most of the Grizzlies, this is the first time playing in the Second Round. The Warriors, on the other hand, are playoff veterans who have won multiple championships. It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies handle the increased pressure. 

The over under is set at 220.5 points, and I expect the over to hit. The Grizzlies play at a fast pace, and the Warriors will likely match that considering they have been trotting out small-ball lineups. With the way the Warriors shoot, they don’t even need many possessions to run up the score. 

TV Schedule

Date: 5/1/22
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Arena: FedExForum – Memphis, TN
Channel: ABC

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Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Gary Payton II
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: Andrew Wiggins
C: Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors Analysis

Golden State scorched the Nuggets from the three-point line in the First Round. They shot 42.2 3PT%, and that was with Porter Jr dragging down the average with a 15.4% mark on 2.6 3PA. Memphis’ defense was vulnerable to off the dribble shooting this season, and the Warriors can supply that with Curry, Klay, and Poole. Wiggins (53.8 3PT% on 2.6 3PA) was exceptional as a catch and shoot player against Denver. Klay Thompson (48.7 3PT% on 7.8 3PA) also torched the Nuggets on catch and shoot threes. If they can continue to hit those shots, the Memphis defense will be stretched extremely thin. Draymond Green will assuredly find the open man as well since he is an elite point-forward with great court vision. The amount of off-ball movement and versatility will constantly keep the Grizzlies a step behind on defense. 

How often does Golden State turn to the Death Lineup 3.0? Curry, Poole, Klay, Wiggins, and Draymond form an elite offensive lineup that can rain threes. The perimeter defense isn’t the best, but Wiggins and Draymond keep the defense afloat. In 39 minutes against the Nuggets, this lineup had a 141.2 Offensive Rating and 119.8 Defensive Rating while shooting a 61.2 FG% and 51.7 3PT%. It’s an offensive juggernaut that the Grizzlies have to figure out. 

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Xavier Tillman

Memphis Grizzlies Analysis

If the Grizzlies are going to win this series, they need a better scoring performance from Ja Morant. Against Minnesota, he averaged 21.5 PPG, 10.5 APG, and 8.7 RPG. The line itself is great, but he had a 38.6 FG% and 20 3PT%. Morant cannot continue his shooting slump against Golden State. Fortunately for him, the Warriors biggest weakness is their sub par rim protection. Morant loves to drive to the hoop and attack the rim with acrobatic dunks. The Warriors defense will be forced to collapse, which will leave shooters open. On catch and shoot threes against Minnesota, Desmond Bane had a 54.3 3PT% on 5.8 3PA. His perimeter production will be crucial in this series; they need shooters to match the lethal Warriors. 

The X factor for Memphis is DPOY-candidate Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s a 6’11” forward who led the league in BPG. Jackson Jr can switch on the perimeter while cleaning up mistakes through his elite help defense. However, he sometimes chases blocks too much and commits foolish fouls. He fouled out of Game 5 in only 17 minutes and averaged 5.1 fouls per game in the First Round. Memphis needs Jackson Jr to play disciplined defense and contest shots without fouling. If he does that, they can counter the Death Lineup by having Jackson Jr play a similar defensive role that Draymond does. Overall, Memphis has the talent and athletes to win this series. They must play smart though, and not let the pressure get to them.