Game preview: Golden State Warriors hunt for 71st win against Memphis Grizzlies

Matchup
Golden State Warriors 70-9 (32-7 ROAD)				vs	Memphis Grizzlies 42-6 (26-14 HOME)
Details
April 9, 2016
FedEx Forum — Memphis, TN
5 p.m. PST
TV: ESPN (national), CSN Bay Area (local) Radio: KNBR 680 AM
Blog Buddy: Grizzly Bear Blues
Projected Starters
Stephen Curry				G	Jordan Farmar
Klay Thompson				G	Tony Allen
Harrison Barnes				F	Matt Barnes
Draymond Green				F	Zach Randolph
Andrew Bogut				C	Chris Anderson
Key Injuries
Kevon Looney (hip) - Out					Jordan Adams (knee) - Out indefinitely Mike Conley (Achilles) - Out for the season Marc Gasol (foot) - Out P.J. Hairston (groin) - Questionable Brandan Wright (knee) - Out for season

Team Overviews

The Warriors. After clinching home court advantage throughout the 2016 NBA playoffs, many of us can't help but notice we're three games away from beating the Chicago Bulls' 72-win record (set in 1996).

Our squad on the other hand are focusing on a bigger prize: the quest to become repeat champions. The question for many of us is how will Coach Steve Kerr play our squad the next three games? Will minutes be limited for our starters? Do they chase the Bulls 72 win record? These thoughts will begin to unfold beginning with Memphis.

Going for win number 71 tonight!

The Grizzlies. Injuries have plagued Memphis throughout the season but with their hard work, they've respectably clawed their way into the 5th seed in this playoff race. With Mike Conley out (since March 6th with an Achilles injury), Jordan Farmar has taken the starting PG position. Big man Zach Randolph has been averaging 20.3 ppg in the last ten games and has stepped it up since the team also lost Marc Gasol to injury. He'll definitely be a threat to contain in tonight's match up.

Key to the game: Play unselfishly (as we always have!)

How did we beat the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night? There were many factors to that victory but one thing remains certain that we've done all season long and that's play unselfishly. We make things happen this way. Everyone gets a hand in the ball movement and when the opportunity is right we've got the option to make a big play, force a turnover or beat the opposition at their own game. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Highlight Predictions:

- Stephen Curry led the way on Thursday night with 27 points and 9 assists (just shy of a double-double). It's hard not to expect another incredible performance from SC30 tonight.

- Harrison Barnes had a huge night against the Spurs dropping 21 points and 8 rebounds. It's the kind of boost that will hopefully get this kid going well into the playoffs. Inconsistencies aside, he was a huge factor in Thursday night's win over San Antonio. I'm predicting another solid night for the Falcon.

- Andrew Bogut shut it down against San Antonio and has been a defensive beast since his return. A healthy Bogut is a good sign headed into post season. He's going to have one helluva match up against Zach Randolph in the paint.

- The Bench. While the mindset is to play at a competitive level these last 3 games, let's not overwork our starters or risk any type of injuries. Our bench had a solid performance Thursday night, let's get 'em a little more involved tonight so everybody isn't feeling overworked headed into San Antonio tomorrow.

Win Prediction

We got this. Road victories can be hit or miss but the momentum is on our side. The Warriors win it 115-103.

ICYMI: (Posts from GSoM)

The Golden State Warriors and Immortality

Explain One Play: Stephen Curry is pre-screened for three pointers

Recap: The Warriors win round three, reach 70 wins, and clinch the first seed.

Rebuilding is hard: The Warriors' luck and Sam Hinkie's misfortune