Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: The Warriors are crumbling, the Grizzlies rolling

NBA is on and what a fascinating season we have had. We have witnessed the rise and fall of various squads and the landscape continues to shift at an electric rate. Talking about a team that took a big fall, the Golden State Warriors, which are the defending champions will take on the formidable Grizzlies. Will the Warriors stand any chance here without Curry?

The Warriors come into this game after losing 113:143 against the Brooklyn Nets in a game where they stood no chance at all. This was their second straight loss by 30 points or more and they have now lost two times in a row. The last road trip brought them five losses and just one win and they have an atrocious 16 losses in 19 games away from home. Not having Stephen Curry has exacerbated their problems and the team’s offense has also taken a hit repeatedly. The Warriors’ defense has been one of the worst in the league and there is just no communication happening right now despite the team having an elite defener Draymond Green.

Without Curry, Poole has had some big nights but still, he has been performing below expectations, shooting below 32% from the three-point line. Apart from Curry’s absence, Andrew Wiggins has been also missing from the scene which has actually caused the biggest fluctuation in the Warriors’ schemes as the Forward rotations have looked bleak. Having one of the if not the worst bench in the league meant that multiple injuries are going to result in big losses and the Warriors’ management's inability to be active during the offseason has caused disturbances to a team that is in the title-defense window.

The Grizzlies come into this game after annihilating the Phoenix Suns 125:100 as Jaren Jackson Jr enjoyed a 24 points outing. This away-from-home win stalled a two-game losing streak on the road and the Grizzlies improved to 20 wins and 11 losses. This game marked the return of high-scoring Off-Guard Desmond Bane who had missed around six weeks due to an injury. The Grizzlies’ depth was on full display in their last win as Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks combined for a 16/26 shooting effort which made up for their top two scorers’ Morant and Bane shooting just 8/27. This increasingly evolving depth has what propelled the Grizzlies into the cream of the league.

The Grizzlies transformed their fortunes last season and it was when Ja Morant went down, which is a testament to the team’s depth. Having Tyus Jones, who can start for some teams in the league, come off the bench is clearly an indication of great supporting cast. For instance, when Desmond Bane went down, the team’s offense still rolled with Jaren Jackson’s return and the improved play of Dillon Brooks. Jaren’s presence has also bolstered the defensvie end and overall, the Grizzlies are looking prolific on both ends of the floor. How can Memphis make sure that they make an advanced run this Playoffs? But before, there is a lot of job to do in the demanding Regular Season.

• Warriors: OUT: Andre Iguodala, Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins. QUESTIONABLE: Draymond Green;
• Grizzlies: OUT: Danny Green.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Ja Morant(28-34 Points), Jordan Poole(26-32 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Steven Adams(12-15 Rebounds), Kevon Looney(7-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Ja Morant(7-10 Assists), Jordan Poole(5-7 Assists).

Not only are the Warriors an awful defensive team, their offense has also taken a step back without Curry and Wiggins, who are their two most consistent players. Klay Thompson has been a bit erratic, Jordan Poole can force the issue at times and apart from that, the team has nowhere to go for the most parts. James WIseman had 30 points in the last game but most of them were inconsequential and the former lottery pick needs to do a lot more to cement his place. For the Grizzlies, the scoring distribution has been brilliant this season and they are not just dependent upon their Ace Ja Morant. That is why, I predict a scoreline of 130:112 in favor of Memphis.