Preview: Warriors take on Grizzlies with nothing to lose

Golden State Warriors (65-15) at Memphis Grizzlies (54-26)

7PM PST Tip-off

Oracle Arena, Oakland

CSN Bay Area | Radio: KNBR 680

Buddy blog: www.grizzlybearblues.com

At first glance, with only two games remaining in the regular season, tonight's matchup looks to be a big one. But really, how many of the starters will we see active? The Grizzlies are battling a serious injury bug, and the Warriors may decide to rest some key players. However, the Grizzlies are still jockeying for playoff position and will come in guns blazing, regardless of who is fit to start. As for the Warriors, they've already clinched the best record in the NBA and home court advantage throughout the playoffs. They've got nothing to lose if the Grizzlies take this one tonight.

Warriors come out to rest?

With a 37-2 record on top of a 16 game win streak at home, the Warriors have shown that Oracle Arena is one helluva tough place to win for any opponent. Depending on what Coach Kerr has up his sleeve, it should be interesting to see what type of line up he has in store for Warriors fans tonight. Things got sloppy last Saturday night when the Dubs blew a 17-point lead against the Timberwolves.

The Grizzlies gunning for that number 2 spot.

With Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Jeff Green all listed as questionable, and with Tony Allen already having been ruled out with a lingering hamstring issue, things aren't looking too good for Memphis going into tonight's game.  We may see Coach David Joerger deciding to play it safe and get these guys rested going into the postseason.

Want an idea of how crazy the Western conference has been this season? Beyond the Portland Trailblazers, who have clinched the four seed by virtue of winning their division, the second, third, fifth and sixth teams (Spurs, Clippers, Grizzlies, Rockets) are all separated by a mere half game. Even though the two seed is in play for the Grizzlies, if the playoffs started today, Memphis would be the five seed, but would still have home court advantage over the four seed Trailblazers because of their better record. Sound convoluted? It is. For a comprehensive breakdown of the current Western Conference playoff picture, read this.

Predictions:

- It will be good to see the bench contribute if Coach Kerr decides to limit our starters' minutes. I'm all about keeping our guys healthy going into the first round.

- I feel like David Lee is going to go off. Just a little sneak peek to how much of an important key factor he'll be when the season ends.

- Hoping the Dubs control the tempo and make adjustments from Saturdays sloppy game against Minnesota. Solid defense, a fiery shooting night from our squad and a few highlight moments.

- Sorry Memphis, The Warriors got this and win by 7.

Regardless of who suits up, it’s going to be a great time out at the "Roaracle" tonight!