Who's Playing
Matchup: Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors
Records: Grizzlies (16-13); Warriors (20-10)
Where to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 18
Time: 9:00am
TV: Sony ESPN
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
Game Preview
Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies have exceeded expectations with their 16-13 start but it's been a terrible last three weeks for the team. They've slipped from a strong 12-5 start and since have fell out of the Western Conference Playoff picture.
While their play has been designed around their former duo of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, their rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a tremendous find so far this season. He is currently averaging 13.0 points (5th among rookies), 6.1 rebounds (5th among rookies) and 1.8 blocks (leads all rookies) alongside an established center like Gasol.
So far, Memphis have stuck to their strengths irrespective of how the league is trending. They are ranked 30th in the league (96.00) in pace, taking care of each possession as they are the third-best in turnovers per game (13.5). As things stand right now, the Grizzlies are 8-4 against teams that have a record of less than .500, like we said winning games that they should.
Unfortunately, they have gone 8-9 against teams with a record of .500 or better. To make matters worse, a Grizzlies team, that are 1-4 in the last five games, are set for a 4-game road trip with games against the Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
While the Memphis have struggled with their offense (105.4 - 26th), the Warriors have dominated the league in a majority of the offensive categories.
Not only do the two-time defending champions have the best offensive rating in the league (113.6) but they also lead the league in field goal shooting percentage (49.1%) and three-point shooting percentage (38.9%) while ranking third in points per game (116.1), and second in free-throw shooting percentage (82.2%).
Since Curry has returned from his groin injury, the Warriors have gone 5-2 in the seven games with the two-time MVP averaging 28.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 48.1% shooting from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc. Despite missing 11 games this season, Curry still ranks at No. 5 in our most recent MVP rankings.
This game begins a favorable stretch for the Warriors, with five of their next six games set on their home floor at the Oracle Arena.
Game Notes
- This contest is the Warriors' 16th home game of the season. In the previous 15 games, they have gone 12-3. On the flip side, the Grizzlies are 7-7 in their 14 road games played so far.
- The is the second matchup of the season between the Warriors and the Grizzlies. Their remaining two games are played on Mar. 28 and Apr. 11.
- Damian Jones and DeMarcus Cousins are sure to miss this game while Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston are said to be gametime decisions.
- For the Grizzlies, Chandler Parsons and Dillion Brooks are the guaranteed absentees while Kyle Anderson and Yuta Watanbe are gametime decisions.
Last Time They Played
Date: Nov. 6, 2018
Score: Grizzlies 101, Warriors 117
Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. - 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 assists.
Warriors: Kevin Durant - 22 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal on 63.6% shooting
