The NBA All Star Break is set to be here next weekend, but there are plenty of big games set to take place before that. Western Conference rivals are set to collide on Friday night as the Golden State Warriors visit the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Golden State Warriors need the break to get here in a hurry as this team enters Friday night having lost three of their last five games. It’s been a rough season for the Warriors overall as they are sitting at just 20-24 on the year.
Memphis has been another extremely disappointing team this season as they have gone just 18-29 on the year. The Grizzlies have dropped two straight games, and they don’t look like a team that is going to be able to figure this thing out.
On Friday night, the Golden State Warriors are 5.5-point betting favorites over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Curry Can’t Get Consistent Help
Former MVP Stephen Curry is scoring 27.5 points per game for the Warriors this season, and he continues to shoot the basketball well. Curry has been doing everything he can for this team, but he just hasn’t been able to get any help.
Klay Thompson is still averaging over 17 points per game, but there were days when this duo could be counted on for 50 points per night. Injuries are also impacting the Warriors ahead of this matchup, and that is going to be something to keep an eye on.
This Warriors team has not been as strong on defense either, and that has made it harder for them to go on a big winning streak this season. The Warriors will likely figure it out at some point, but it’s been a rough stretch.
Grizzlies Can’t Score
The Memphis Grizzlies are another team that has been dealing with injuries all season long, and that has really hurt this offense. Memphis is scoring just 107 points per game, and that just isn’t going to get the job done.
Desmond Bane is having a big season for the Grizzlies as he is leading the way with 24.4 points per game this season. Memphis will be without Ja Morant for the rest of the season, and that is going to hurt their chances at figuring things out.
The Grizzlies are traditionally a strong defensive team, but that just hasn’t been the case so far this season.
Warriors Win Big in Memphis
It looked as if the Warriors and Grizzlies were going to develop into a nice little rivalry, but that no longer feels like it will be the case. Golden State is running on fumes with this current core, and Memphis just can’t seem to stay healthy and on the floor.
This will be a game in which Stephen Curry is able to take control as he continues to be one of the best players in the league. Memphis just doesn’t have the weapons to keep pace in this game and it will get away from them in a hurry.
Bet the Warriors -5.5 as they are going to roll to a blowout win on the road in Memphis on Friday night.
