The Spurs had a season to remember with a franchise-record 67 wins. They went 40-1 at home, tying the mythic 1985-86 Celtics for the best home mark in NBA history. In most seasons, that would make them the favorite heading into the playoffs. But in the age of the Warriors, it just makes them the top contender for first runner-up.
The Grizzlies have faced an uphill battle all season, spending much of it with several or more starters out for extended time, including Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.
MORE: Full playoff predictions: How many do Warriors drop?
There have been plenty of times where Matt Barnes and Tony Allen have had to carry the scoring load, which tells you all you need to know about their injury woes.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies matchup to watch:
Zach Randolph vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
These two former Trail Blazers will battle each other down low early and often in the series. With no Gasol to back him up down low, Randolph’s stamina will be tested by a Spurs front line that still includes Tim Duncan.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies regular-season series
Spurs 4-0: Spurs 92-82, Spurs 103-83, Spurs 110-104, Spurs 101-87
Spurs vs. Grizzlies schedule
Game 1: April 17 — Grizzlies at Spurs, 8:00 P.M. EST (TNT)
Game 2: April 19 — Grizzlies at Spurs, 1:30 P.M. EST (TNT)
Game 3: April 22 — Spurs at Grizzlies , 9:30 P.M. EST (ESPN)
Game 4: April 24 — Spurs at Grizzlies, 1:00 P.M. EST (ABC)
Game 5: April 26 — Grizzlies at Spurs (TBD, if necessary)
Game 6: April 28 — Spurs at Grizzlies (TBD, if necessary)
Game 7: April 30 — Grizzlies at Spurs (TBD, if necessary)
Spurs vs. Grizzlies prediction
The undermanned Grizzlies will play hard, but they are just too short-handed to give the well-rested Spurs much trouble.
Spurs sweep.