NBA Best Go Head to Head in Memphis: Warriors v. Grizzlies

The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies will collide tonight, Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the Grindhouse in Memphis at 7pm. The Warriors (20-2) and the Grizzlies (19-4) are the two top teams in the NBA and this will be their first meeting of the season. The Warriors are currently on a 16 game win streak (longest current winning streak in the NBA) while the Grizzlies are on a 4 game win streak.

Reportedly the Warriors will be without David Lee (hamstring) and Andrew Bogut (knee); Harrison Barnes is questionable with a nose injury. As of now, the Grizzlies will be at full strength.

Things to watch for

Zach Randolph usually put in work against the Warriors. Over the last four games played against them, he averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds. He will matchup against Draymond Green, which may be difficult for him. Green can shoot from the perimeter and Zbo usually struggles with players that shoot outside of the painted area. Jon Leuer may get ample playing time if Zbo struggles.

Marc Gasol should have a monster game if the offense goes through him while he’s on the floor. With Bogut possibly out, Marc shouldn’t have any problems getting any shot he wants. This is an important game and we should see the aggressive Marc Gasol.

Mike Conley and Courtney Lee will have their hands full with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. How will Conley and Lee be able to contain the Splash Brothers? The Grizzlies can’t afford to let either of them get hot from the 3 point line. Maybe, Tony Allen and Tayshaun Prince will take turns guarding those two as well.

Warriors has a good bench. Marreese Speights is having a good year and is playing as confident as ever. I’m looking forward to see him match up against Kosta Koufos. Kosta needs to frustrate him and take him out of the game. I have no idea who coach will have on him tonight if Kosta is not guarding him. This may be a big night for Tayshaun Prince defensively if he has the task of guarding both the guards and forwards. Andre Iguodala is another great defender and scorer off of the Warriors bench. He can put up 20 points at any moment. Quincy Pondexter needs to be a factor if coach calls upon him to play.

Analysis

Grizzlies starters and bench will both have their hands full tonight. This will be a good game that will be national televised on ESPN. Grizzlies need to come out with their A+ game. There is little room for error on both ends of the floor. Grizzlies need to guard the three point line as much as they can or they will pay dearly. If Warriors get hot from 3, it’s going to be a long game for the boys in blue. Grizzlies just need to play Grizzlies basketball and click on all cylinders. If the bench struggles, I look for the starters to play a lot of minutes tonight. This will have the essence of a playoff atmosphere and will likely determine best in the West so far this season.