Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors 5/9/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors Matchup Preview (5/9/22)

I hate to say that Game Four is a must-win game when the series is merely 2-1; however, this feels like a game that the Memphis Grizzlies have to win to keep this series competitive. Memphis got out to a hot start in Game Three, leading by double-digits halfway through the first quarter, but the Warriors closed the gap quickly. Golden State built a comfortable lead after a red hot second and third quarter and never looked back. Memphis had some serious defensive deficiencies, and Golden State put them on full display. The Grizzlies gave up layup after layup from back cuts and straight-line drives in the first quarter and then allowed the Warriors to work their way inside to outside; they became unconscious from behind the arc. The rest was history.

Unfortunately, Ja Morant will likely miss Game Four due to Jordan Poole grabbing and tugging on his knee during a double-team attempt. The NBA has stated that no further action will be taken against Poole for the play. When this article was written, there had still not been an official diagnosis of Morant’s knee injury; however, head coach Taylor Jenkins seemed to indicate that Morant would be unavailable. This season, the Grizzlies are 20-5 without Morant, but the playoffs are a completely different story. Additionally, the opponent and location of the game further complicate things for this matchup. See below whether I think the spread is too wide despite Morant not playing or if it is just right!

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Odds

Despite playing so well this season without Morant, it is hard for me to justify betting on the Memphis Grizzlies in this game. When you consider the opponent, location, and situation, weighing the Grizzlies’ record during the regular season without Morant becomes less and less essential. I will probably stay off the spread in this one, but I would take the Warriors to cover if I had a proverbial gun to my head.

Due to Ja Morant being ruled out, my perspective about the point total has changed. Morant has posted three straight games of 34 or more points and has been an elite playmaker for this Grizzlies offense. Without him, I think they may struggle to get to 100 points. Still, Memphis will not let Golden State run away with this and should apply significantly more pressure on the defensive end. I will take the under at 224 points in this one.

How To Watch

Date: 5/9/22
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Arena: Chase Center – San Francisco, CA
Channel: TNT

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Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

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

Memphis Grizzlies Analysis

It’s always amazing to think about how one play can completely change the trajectory of a series. The Memphis Grizzlies were one Ja Morant layup in Game One away from being up 2-0 after the first two games. They also just needed Jordan Poole not to grab Morant’s knee when he did in Game Three to truly still have a chance in this series. Now, Morant is likely out, as indicated on Sunday by head coach Taylor Jenkins, and the Grizzlies will probably go down into a 3-1 hole for the series. Still, Memphis did amass a 20-5 record without Ja Morant on the floor throughout the 2021-22 season, so it is not entirely down and out; however, the playoffs are slightly different. It’s also different when your opponent is the Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA’s hottest and most experienced teams. For Memphis to have a chance at winning Game Four, it has to play exponentially better on the defensive end. It allowed 142 points on an ungodly 63/53/91 team shooting split. That cannot happen again.

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

PG: Steph Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Jonathan Kuminga
C: Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors Analysis

After the first two games of this series, Golden State had merely shot 45% from the field and 28% from behind the arc. It was only a matter of time before the Warriors had an explosive game after such a slow start from deep, and that is precisely what happened in Game Three; they finished shooting 17-for-32 from deep for a whopping 53%. Golden State has to be riding high right now after dismantling the Memphis Grizzlies at home, and it certainly helps its cause that Ja Morant won’t be available for Game Four. This looks like a team that could go back to the NBA Finals and potentially win it again. The emergence of Jordan Poole has alleviated some pressure from Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, allowing them to not have to force shots or worry about where the offense will come from.