Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies: First look

GOLDEN STATE VS. MEMPHIS

1.GOLDEN STATE

67-15 (Home: 39-2; Road: 28-13; Playoffs: 4-0)

4. MEMPHIS

55-27 (Home: 31-10; Road: 24-17; Playoffs: 4-1)

Season series: Golden State, 2-1.

Key stat: The Warriors got it done offensively during their first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans, producing the second-best efficient offense among the playoff teams. Warriors’ All-Star point guard Stephen Curry led all scorers, averaging 33.8 points per game. The Grizzlies relied on defense during their first-round series against the Trail Blazers, holding Portland to 40% shooting.

Outlook: Splash, splash. Or grind, grind.

That’s what this playoff series will be about.

It’s exciting to watch Golden State’s Splash Brothers, Curry and Klay Thompson, rain down their three-pointers from anywhere on the court. It’s not as easy on the eyes to watch Memphis grind away with imposing big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Golden State’s Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut will do the wrestling with Gasol and Randolph. Golden State has one of the best and deepest benches in the NBA, and that helps the Warriors to wear down teams. Memphis’ defensive stalwart, Tony Allen, will probably spend time hounding Thompson and Curry. Also, Memphis isn’t sure how long it will be without starting point guard Mike Conley, who missed the last two playoffs games and had surgery on multiple facial fractures around his left eye.

Prediction: Golden State in 7.