Here are The Game Day’s Warriors vs Grizzlies prediction and bets, including our Golden State-Memphis Play-In Game preview.
- Check out our 2021 NBA Championship Winner Odds & Bet Picks.
Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament Bet Tips & Pick
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Play-In Game Recap
The Warriors were firing on all cylinders in the first half, taking a 13-point lead into halftime. Even after a furious third-quarter comeback by Los Angeles, Golden State still led 79-77 heading into the fourth quarter. The see-saw affair continued until the very end, with the Warriors ultimately coming up just short, 103-100.
While the Warriors held their own against a superior Lakers team, their inability to put the game away came back to haunt them. As expected, Stephen Curry came out gunning and finished with 37 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including 6-for-9 from downtown. Andrew Wiggins chipped in 21 points as well, but the rest of the team was quiet offensively.
Defensively, Golden State didn’t have much of an answer for Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Davis posted a big double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while James went off for a triple-double and drilled the game-winning three with just under a minute remaining. The Warriors weren’t able to get stops when they needed to late in the game, which ended up costing them.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Play-In Game Recap
The Grizzlies looked like they were going to run away with this one after erupting for 38 points in the first quarter. Their 19-point lead quickly evaporated in the second quarter, however, as the Spurs made a run of their own. Memphis was able to hang on in the second half, fending off San Antonio’s comeback and winning 100-96.
Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 24 points, Jonas Valančiūnas racked up 23 points and 23 rebounds, and Ja Morant tallied 20 points and 6 assists. The Grizzlies’ starters combined for 86 of the team’s 100 points while also pulling down 46 of the team’s 56 boards. Memphis did leave several points on the table at the free-throw line, however, missing 11 of their 24 shots from the charity stripe.
The Grizzlies also played well defensively, limiting San Antonio to 35.1 percent shooting from the floor. They kept the Spurs’ young stars in check as well, as San Antonio’s only players to score above 11 points were vets DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay. Overall, it was a solid all-around showing for Memphis against a respectable opponent.
Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies Matchup
This is going to be a hard-fought battle from start to finish. Golden State will have to bounce back from its devastating loss to the Lakers, while Memphis is a young and hungry team looking to break into the postseason.
Both clubs are very similar in several categories, particularly points, assists, steals, blocks, and field goal percentage. The Grizzlies will need to defend the three-point line if they want to move on, as the Warriors average the fifth-most three-point attempts per game. They’ll also need to keep Curry in check, as limiting him effectively neutralizes Golden State’s offense.
The Memphis bench is one of the best in the league, ranking in the top six in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. While the Grizzlies’ reserves had a quiet night against the Spurs, they’ll need to show up against the Warriors if Memphis wants to advance.
Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
Memphis Grizzlies 112, Golden State Warriors 106
The Grizzlies haven’t made the playoffs in four years, but I think that drought ends with a win against Golden State. Memphis has momentum on its side, whereas the Warriors are reeling. Curry is one of the best players in the league, but aside from Wiggins the rest of their team is unreliable. Golden State has enough firepower to keep this game close, but not enough to defeat Memphis.
Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies Bet Pick
Grizzlies To Win 2021 NBA Play-In Game (+140)
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This will be another close game throughout, but I’m giving Memphis the slight edge due to its depth. Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been out most of the season, has shown flashes of big-play ability since returning and could be the X-Factor here. If the Grizzlies can move the ball around and get more contributions from their bench, they’ll come out on top.
