The Golden State Warriors drew first blood in this series with a 117-116 win in Game 1 before the Memphis Grizzlies evened it up with a 106-101 victory in Game 2. Now comes the crucial Game 3 at Chase Center. Which team will get that 2-1 lead?
Catch this game live on Sunday, May 8, at 8:30 AM, Manila time
Away: Memphis Grizzlies (1-1/0-0 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ja Morant
- SG: Desmond Bane
- SF: Ziaire Williams
- PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- C: Xavier Tillman
Ja Morant was not going to let Golden State get away with another win, as he poured in 47 points in Game 2. Morant went 15/31 from the field, absolutely taking over while not getting much support from his teammates. Only Jaren Jackson Jr. scored in double digits outside of Morant with 12, and he shot just 3/14. Desmond Bane, who is averaging 19.4 points per game in the playoffs, coughed up only 5 points in Game 2, so he’s someone the Grizzlies are looking to contribute more this coming Sunday.
There’s also extra pressure for Bane and the other secondary Grizzlies options to produce offensively in Game 3, with Dillon Brooks serving a one-game suspension for his Flagrant 2 foul on Gary Payton II back in Game 2. With Brooks sidelined, Ziaire Williams could see an uptick in minutes as well as De’Anthony Melton, who had 14 points off the bench in the series opener. Memphis is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games after a win.
Home: Golden State Warriors (1-1/0-0 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Klay Thompson
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Jonathan Kuminga
- C: Draymond Green
For the first time in the playoffs, the Warriors failed to hit at least 10 threes, going just 7/38 from deep in Game 2. Even then, they still lost by less than a touchdown to the Grizzlies. The Warriors had their worst shooting night in this postseason so far, and yet were able to be competitive until the final minutes of the contest. A big rebound game could be in order for the Warriors, with the series going to Chase Center. The Warriors have won all of their five games at home, dating back to the regular season.
They have also covered the spread in six of their past seven games in Oakland. A home game could also be just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Klay Thompson, who is shooting just 28.9 FG% and 22.7 3FG% so far in the second round. Also expect the Warriors’ defense to intensify at home. They are having success in forcing Memphis into inefficient shots, with the Grizzlies shooting just 41.4 FG% in the series.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Warriors cover (-7.0).
Over/Under: The total hits the Under (225.0)
