Golden State–Memphis tests screen defense and the pass that follows the first rotation. Seoul–LG puts a similar premium on interior receivers finding the next scorer and recovering another possession. Both games have enough connected scoring routes to support a competitive finish.
Curry's movement and Green's passing give Golden State ways to pull a center away from the basket. Memphis answers through Jerome's screen reads, Boozer's distribution and the Pippen, Spencer and Grant connections seen in competitive reserve minutes. Golden State's opening game showed its own passing errors occurring alongside repeated interior concessions.
Butler, Moody and Porzingis remain out. Podziemski and Bassey are questionable after missing the opener, while Memphis has Coward doubtful after he played and Stewart questionable after he missed it. The Memphis case rests on its observed supporting connections around Jerome.
The opening screen decisions should lead into a middle-quarter contest over the next receiver and rebound. Memphis has demonstrated scoring links beyond Jerome's exceptional individual shooting. That's why I'm siding with Memphis to keep the contest close.
Seoul can connect Warney's post play and passing with Hicks inside and Kim Nak-hyun or An Young-jun outside. LG has Marei receiving and extending attacks, with Yoo now providing substantial outside scoring and late free throws. Yang Jun-seok added a separate late finishing shot after Mobis had chased down LG's lead.
Marei and Yoo both played substantial minutes in LG's last game, so their roles are supported by actual participation following their injury issues. Kim and An also played Seoul's last game. Yoo's return gives Marei another proven receiving target.
The middle quarters bring Seoul's paired interior attack against LG's post-and-outlet response. Late in the game, Marei, Yang and Yoo have already shown a connected scoring and free-throw sequence. That's why I'm siding with LG to stay close through its own repeated attacks.
