The new-look Grizzlies head west on Friday looking for their first 2-0 start since 2022. Memphis has lost five straight regular-season games to the Dubs, their last win coming 673 days ago in a 144-93 rout.
Golden State made little noise this offseason, keeping the core roster together and handing a starting spot to 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg, who scored 12 and picked up a technical for trash-talking with Luka Doncic. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are not expected back until around February, and Kristaps Porzingis is away from the team indefinitely.
In their 22-point loss to the Lakers, the Warriors shot just eight-of-36 from three and were outscored 68-35 in the second and third quarters, giving up 66 points in the paint. Brandin Podziemski is questionable with a back injury, and his status is not expected until later this afternoon. If he sits, the Warriors could dress only ten.
Second-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo brought his fast-paced European system to a young Memphis team, and it showed in the opener, with the Grizz outscoring Utah by 14 on the break. They also grabbed 55 rebounds and held the Jazz to 103 points. Memphis will not get another 45 from Ty Jerome, but the rebounding should carry over, and No. 3 overall pick Cam Boozer should shoot better than two-of-15.
The spread moved from 3.5 to 4.5 overnight toward a Warriors team the market is overvaluing. Curry at home on opening night explains some of the move. He is 38 with Phoenix waiting Saturday. I'll take the Grizzlies and the points.
Grizzlies vs Warriors prediction: Grizzlies +4.5 (+100) available at time of publishing. Playable to +3.5.
