The Memphis Grizzlies hit the road on Saturday, January 4, 2025, to face off against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, marking the third meeting between these two Western Conference contenders this season. Though both teams strive for playoff glory, the night is overshadowed by the absence of their star players, Ja Morant and Stephen Curry, sidelined due to injuries.
Currently, the Grizzlies hold a favorable record of 23-12, standing second in the Western Conference, whereas the Warriors are striving to improve with their 17-16 standing, currently ninth. The stakes are high for both squads as they look to gain momentum moving forward.
Memphis heads to San Francisco after suffering a narrow defeat against the Sacramento Kings, falling 138-133 just the night before. During this challenging match, Grizzlies' Jaylen Wells shone, scoring 30 points and showcasing exceptional shooting, going 8 for 9 from beyond the arc, as reported by CBS Sports. Desmond Bane stepped up as another pivotal player, contributing 22 points alongside eight assists and seven rebounds. Despite their recent loss, Memphis displayed cohesive teamwork, finishing with 31 assists, solidifying their second place reputation for most assists per game.
Conversely, the Warriors are buoyed by their previous sizable victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 139-105. Stephen Curry, the team's driving force, had scored 30 points and hit 8-of-8 three-pointers just days prior. Yet, fatigue management has ruled him out for the showdown with Memphis, depriving the Warriors of their leading scorer. This absence poses significant questions for their performance against the Grizzlies.
The absence of Morant is similarly impactful for Memphis. The point guard is sidelined due to a right shoulder sprain, which has kept him out for several games now. The team has had to lean on alternate players, with Jaren Jackson Jr. stepping up to fill some of the void left by Morant. Jackson has emerged as the nucleus of Memphis’s offense, boasting impressive averages of 22.3 points per game.
Interestingly, both teams are among the top seven for rebounding, assists, and bench points within the league. The effort on the boards will undoubtedly play a pivotal role, with Memphis averaging 48.7 rebounds per game and Golden State not far behind at 47.2. This battle for control of rebounds could offer either side the necessary edge to secure the win.
The Warriors and Grizzlies faced off previously this season, with Memphis emphatically defeating Golden State 144-93 back on December 19, showcasing their potential dominance. The upcoming contest will be another opportunity for redemption for the Warriors, who have lost two out of three games so far this season against the Grizzlies. This narrative of rivalry coupled with the urgency to reclaim lost pride adds to the game’s significance.
With both star players absent, the focus shifts to the depth of each team. For the Warriors, Draymond Green will have to rise to the occasion alongside Jonathan Kuminga, who could see increased responsibility after already delivering strong performances recently. Kuminga has scored 34 points off the bench on two separate occasions lately and shows promise to capitalize on Curry's absence.
On the betting front, odds favor the Warriors slightly at 2.5 points, indicating the expectations from sportsbooks amid both star players sitting out. The game total is set at 232.5 points, reflective of the high-octane offense both teams typically display, even when their top players are absent. Analysts anticipate Memphis having the edge with their rebounding and assist stats, enhancing their chances of pulling off another upset against the Warriors.
Fans are gearing up for the action at 8:30 PM ET as the two teams prepare to clash at the Chase Center. The stakes are elevated, and this matchup will prove whether the Grizzlies can maintain momentum without their leader, or if the Warriors can overpower their rivals amid injury challenges. Can the Grizzlies continue their positive trend, or will the Warriors reverse their recent misfortunes? Only time will tell as game time approaches and the players take the court.