Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Preview (12/25/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

By Andrew Norton | Dec 24, 2022, 1:16pm

Contents

One of the NBA’s newest rivalries will continue on Sunday night when the Memphis Grizzlies invade the Chase Center to face the Golden State Warriors. Below you can find an in-depth analysis of the matchup, our favorite picks and betting predictions, the projected starting lineups, current injury reports for both teams, and updated betting odds.

Memphis Grizzlies Vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Odds

The Memphis Grizzlies are 4.5-point road favorites against the Golden State Warriors. Memphis has its entire roster healthy, except for Danny Green, who will likely be out for at least a few more months. Golden State won’t have Steph Curry or Andre Iguodala available for Sunday’s game. Additionally, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and JaMychal Green are all listed as questionable leading up to this Christmas Day matchup.

Memphis Grizzlies Vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction

It has been a borderline disastrous season for the Golden State Warriors, defending NBA Champions. They’re 11th in the Western Conference with a 15-18 record, which would be much worse without Steph Curry. Now, the Warriors are indeed without him for a number of games after he suffered a shoulder injury that could sideline him for several more weeks. During that time, they have put together a horrendous 125.1 defensive rating.

Per Michael Gallagher’s tweet below, the Grizzlies rank first in numerous key defensive statistical categories, including defense and half-court defense. When you also add Dillon Brooks’ menacing perimeter defense into the equation, Memphis might have the best defense in the NBA. Without Curry, Golden State will struggle significantly on the offensive end; it boasts merely a 108.0 offensive rating when he’s sidelined.

Since Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return to the lineup, the Grizzlies are first in defense (106.5 per 100), first in halfcourt defense (90.5 per 100), first in at-rim FG% (59.3%, Nets a distant second at 61.8%), first in FG% on shots 4-14 feet (36.1%), first in mid-range FG% (37.7%).

— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) December 24, 2022

Additionally, the Grizzlies’ size and frontcourt depth were on full display on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns when they scored 72 paint points and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds. Golden State is likely to suffer a similar fate, with Kevon Looney and Draymond Green being significantly undersized compared to Jaren Jackson Jr and Steven Adams.

Memphis has incredible frontcourt depth, with Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke coming off the bench. Even if the Warriors’ starters are able to be competitive in this game, depth is going to catapult Memphis to a double-digit win on the road against the Warriors. I will stick with the Grizzlies against the spread.

Betting Trends

Memphis is 4-11-1 ATS on the road in 2022-23
Golden State is 10-4 ATS at home in 2022-23
The combined over record of these two teams is 34-28-2 in 2022-23

Key Matchups

The key matchup in this rivalry game will be between the leading scorers for each team: Ja Morant and Jordan Poole. See which player will have a significant advantage below!

Ja Morant vs. Jordan Poole

Since Curry is not playing, Jordan Poole will probably be the leading scorer for the Golden State Warriors; he has a tough job of scoring on one of the toughest defenses in the NBA and defending Ja Morant or Desmond Bane on the other end of the floor. So, can he do it?

Poole might be defended some by Morant, but will also see Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks, two solid and antagonizing perimeter defenders. As a matter of fact, these two held Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges to a combined 15 points. Poole is going to have a rough day.

Meanwhile, Ja Morant should be in “attack mode” the whole game; he does not like the Warriors and the result of last season’s playoff series should motivate him. Whether Morant goes for 30+ points or dishes out 10+ assists, he will have his handprint all over this game. Advantage: Morant.

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr
C: Steven Adams

Memphis Grizzlies Team Pages

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineups

PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Moses Moody
SF: Jonathan Kuminga
PF: Draymond Green
C: Kevon Looney

Golden State Warriors Team Pages

Key Injuries

Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: Danny Green (Out)

Golden State Warriors Injuries: Steph Curry (Out), Andre Iguodala (Out), Klay Thompson (Q), Andrew Wiggins (Q), JaMychal Green (Q),

Andrew Norton

Drew is one of the NBA Lead Writers at Lineups.com, specializing in betting content such as game predictions and player props. With a deep knowledge of players and prospects, Drew has an extensive edge in covering everything NBA.