Memphis Grizzlies-Golden State Warriors: Match Preview, Stats, & Much More | 4 May

The NBA is turning over a tide considering we are in the Playoffs mode now and with a limited amount of games remaining, the race to the title is more intense than ever. And the Golden State Warriors displayed that mentality in Game 1 as they closed out the Memphis Grizzlies 117:116 in one of the most exciting and dramatic games all season long. In this game, the Golden State Warriors will hope to extend the advantage away from home again. Will they be able to get it done twice in a row?

Handicap: Bookmakers from 22bet once again suggest that the Warriors are entering the game as favorites and have a similar odds of 1.75 as Game 1. It is not surprising considering the Warriors won Game 1 but I don’t think the Grizzlies will be that weak defensively in Game 2 again. I do believe the Grizzlies will craft a strong effort this time around and take control of the game. I see them winning here and I’ll take them with a handicap of -3.5. This pick is 55% risky but I have a strong belief in the Grizzlies in this game.(Handicap 1 -3.5 for 2.55)

Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.65 for Jaren Jackson going Over 1.5 blocks here(At least 2 blocks). Jackson blocked 1 shot in the last game but he is capable of inflicting much more damage in terms of shot-blocking. I believe he is set for a strong defensive game and will reject more than 2 shots here. I take “Over” in terms of blocks. (Player Props: Player Blocks: Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 1.5 for 1.66)

Total: Bookmakers at 1xbet give the Total of 227.5 for Over/Under the equal odds of 1.97 and it implies that the bookmakers believe this will be a high-scoring affair. The last game fetched 233 points and it is clear that there can be a run and gun effort. I did take the Total over the last time but I believe the screws will be tighter time around, so I lean on “Under” here. (Total Under 227.5 for 1.97)

This game can be watched on the NBA League Pass.

The Grizzlies did a much better job from the three-point line in Game 1, nailing 16 of their triples on a 40% percent which is definitely above-average. They shot a decent 43.2% but it was the third-quarter where the Grizzlies lost the plot a bit, giving up a seven points advantage. Bane didn’t have a strong game, going for just 3/10 from the field while Dillon Brooks continued to be inconsistent, shooting just 3/13. Jaren Jackson scrapped 33 points on a 50% percentage, nailing six of his nine attempts from long range. Brandon Clarke continued his strong Playoffs, dropping 12 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. However, the team will need more from Bane and Brooks to match the loaded backcourt of the Warriors, because that is where I believe the series will be decided at the end of the day. Will Grizzlies respond strongly in Game 2?

Warriors shoot 48% from the floor and although they shot two fewer threes than the Grizzlies, the ball was moving well for Golden State in Game 1. They were able to shut down two major scorers of the Grizzlies in Brooks and Bane, which meant the backcourt of the Warriors outplayed them. Jordan Poole scored 31 points and that was the dealbreaker for the Grizzlies as he shot an incredible 12/20 and he struggled to shoot well to close out the last series. Curry had 24 but Thompson couldn’t get going, only shooting 30% from the three-point line on 10 attempts. Andrew Wiggins scored 17 and grabbed 8 rebounds and if he continues in this way, the Warriors' chances are only going to be bolstered. The Warriors will need to shut down Jaren Jackson in the next game and Draymond Green will need to stay on the floor more. Will the Warriors continue their offensive charge?

• Grizzlies most likely starting five: PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Xavier Tillman;
• Key Bench Player: Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Tyus Jones;
• Warriors most likely starting five: PG: Stephen Curry | SG: Klay Thompson | G: Gary Payton II | SF: Andrew Wiggins | C: Draymond Green
• Key Bench Players: Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr.