Golden State's first game exposed a contest between perimeter creation and control of the paint. Memphis arrives with screen action and offensive rebounding that can keep a possession alive after the first shot. The result should hinge on whether those extra chances survive Golden State's defensive adjustment.
Curry supplied 23 points in 21 minutes against the Lakers, but the Warriors' center group was pulled toward the ball and the Lakers scored 66 in the paint. Jerome's 45 for Memphis against Utah was unusually sharp shooting, yet the Grizzlies also took 15 offensive rebounds and created a large shot-attempt edge. Edey and Boozer can press the same interior and defensive-board decisions that troubled Green, Horford and Ike.
Porzingis, Butler and Moody remain out after missing Golden State's opener. Podziemski and Bassey were also absent from that game and are listed as questionable. Memphis may have to replace Coward's starting-wing minutes; its reserve group already played meaningful minutes against Utah.
Jerome's ball screens should draw help toward Edey, with Memphis's frontcourt pursuing the miss. That gives the Grizzlies a way to sustain their offense even as Curry drives the Warriors' home attack. The interior work and extra possessions are why I'm siding with Memphis to win.
