Memphis plays Golden State in the last game of the 2015-16 NBA regular season. This game offers the Warriors a chance to set a new NBA record for most victories in a NBA season set by the Chicago Bulls in the 1995-96 season, and it allows them to the close out the season with a big victory and to create the right atmosphere for their title defense. Golden State is a massive force and they come into this game healthy.
Memphis is in a very different state. They are 42-38 partly due to the fact that so many of their starters and quality players have been injured. They’ve had to use 28 players this season, breaking the 1996-97 record set by the Dallas Mavericks. Injured players include Tony Allen (sore left hamstring), who is is questionable and Jordan Adams (right knee surgery), Mike Conley (left Achilles tendinitis), Marc Gasol (right foot fracture), and Brandan Wright (right MCL sprain) who are out.
It’s been a tough last few weeks of the season for the Grizzlies, as they have lost 12 of 15. Think about what they face on Wednesday night? The Warriors are a team that has 72 wins and just nine losses. They are 38-2 at home.
Stats That Make a Difference
When Memphis plays Golden State defensive rebounding could prove to be a major factor. The Warriors are tops in the NBA, averaging 36.2 RPG. The Grizzlies are last in that category at 30.6 RPG.
The three-point shot could be big in this game. The Warriors lead the league in three-point conversions (.415), while the Grizzlies are close to last (.364). In terms of average total points, Golden State is averaging 114 PPG while Memphis is knocking in 99 PPG. Finally, the difference in field goal percentage is massive with the home team hitting 49% of their shots and the visiting club 44%.
Memphis Plays Golden State: Players to Watch
On the Warrior side, it’s the usual suspects. Guards Stephen Curry (29.9 PPG .502 FG% .470 FG%) and Klay Thompson (22.2 PPG .490 FG%) look to turn on the heat. In the front, power forward Draymond Green (14 PPG) is a massive force. For Memphis it is about who will not be there. If you’re looking for two guys to keep them in the game that would be power forward Zach Randolph (15.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG) and small forward Matt Barnes (10.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG). Still, this is a David versus Goliath match.
Betting the Game
The spread started with State at -16 and it’s now at -18. The over/under is at 212.5. We like the under in this game, as we see the Warriors turning it on in this contest, but the Grizzlies struggling to put points on the board. We do still like Golden State at -18 for numerous reasons. Even if the Warriors utilize most of their bench players, it’s expected that they will want to seal the deal and set the record.
When Memphis plays Golden State we’re taking the Warriors and the under. Next it’s the playoffs. Look for State to run the board in their first playoff round.
