Say hello to tonight's Warrior Killer.
Warriors (7-8) @ Grizzlies (6-9)
TV: CSN Bay Area + ESPN 2 | Radio: KNBR 1050
Tip Off: 6:30pm
Blog Buddy: Straight Outta Vancouver
Regional: SB Nation Bay Area
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Not only is it Black Friday (deals, deals, deals), but there's some hoops to be played on the hardwood so JUMP!
Required Reading
- Game #4: Memphis Grizzlies 109, Golden State Warriors 115- Preview | Recap | Links
- Golden State Warriors Fans in Good Hands :: Fly On The Wall: At the Media Luncheon with Owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber
Matchups
Point Guard
Over his 3 previous seasons I've been incredibly unimpressed with Mike Conley. This year though he seems to have really stepped up his game with 14.4 points and 7.1 assists. The Warriors of course have Stephen Curry manning the 1 (although ESPN.com's J.A. Adande makes the case that isn't playing to his strengths in Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry a shooter playing point guard). This is a rare instance where Curry has the size difference. It's not his game to work in the post, but I'm curious to see if Steph can do it on a few plays against Conley. Look for Stef-fun to get his tonight.
Edge: Warriors
Shooting Guard
O.J. Mayo is in the midst of shooting slump and might not even be the starter tonight. But have we got the cure for Mr. Juice and Condiment. It's what we call "defense" by Monta Ellis and the Warriors. I expect Mayo to put up some numbers against the Warriors D (what shooting slump?), but Monta will be looking to score, score, and score against his hometown team.
Edge: Warriors
Small Forward
Dorell Wright has arguably been the Warriors best all-around player this season. There's been one or two defensive lapses, but his all around game has been quite the surprise. Last time Mr. 1 R and 2 L's matched up against Rudy Gay, the $84 million dollar man went off for 35 points though. This game will be a lot easier for the Warriors if Wright can make Gay a volume shooter.
Edge: Grizzlies
Power Forward
Let's not go here...
Edge: Grizzlies
Center
I was pleasantly surprised that Marc Gasol didn't abuse the Warriors too much earlier this season. I have a hard time seeing Andris Biedrins and the Warriors containing Pau's bro this time around.
Edge: Grizzlies
Bench
The bright spots of the Dubs bench are Reggie Williams' instant scoring and Jeremy Lin's energy and tenacity on the defensive side of the ball. Darrell Arthur, one of OJ Mayo or Xavier Henry, and Sam Young have the edge here though.
Edge: Grizzlies
Predictions
- Monta Ellis drops 30 points in his hometown season debut.
- Zach Randolph gets 20-10.
- Stephen Curry dishes up 10 dimes to demonstrate his point guarding prowess.
- Rudy Gay doesn't provide the best bargain on Black Friday.
- The Warriors can't wait till David Lee comes back.
- Warriors by 1.
Poll
Who would you rather have on the Warriors?
This poll is closed
-
87%
Monta Ellis
(568 votes) -
12%
OJ Mayo + Hasheem Thabeet
(78 votes)