Memphis Grizzlies to Play a Crucial Game 5 Tonight

May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies truck into Golden State this evening looking to move one step further to the next round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

The Memphis Grizzlies are heading into their biggest game of the 2015 postseason–thus far, at least. They are locked in a tie with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals at 2-2. Essentially, the series is now a best-of-three.

Memphis had stolen homecourt advantage with their Game 2 victory on the road, but that all changed after Golden State making major adjustments in Game 4 where the Grizzlies were not anywhere near on top of their game plan. The Warriors returned to their usual form and knocked down shot after shot, leading to the Grizz losing in the Grindhouse.

While it certainly did not mean the series was over for the Memphis Grizzlies, it did mean that it will be an uphill battle for them. They now have to show superior toughness as they head into San Francisco tonight and show the NBA world who is the better team. Golden State dominated the regular season, but the Grizz are determined to earn a second trip to the Western Conference Finals.

May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) guards Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

In Game 5, Memphis will could possibly be without their energy guy, Tony Allen. He was perhaps the biggest key to their two victories in this series. Likewise, the Warriors will be without Marreese Speights–a former Grizzly and one of Golden State’s best reserves.

Tonight will be about which team steps up. Who will come up big for their respective squad? Will Memphis find their rhythm on both ends of the floor? Will Golden State’s hot shooting hold or will it fold once again? In just a few hours, these questions will be answered.

If the Grizzlies’ Jeff Green is looking for a fine time to come up big in this series, there may be no other opportunity as big as this evening’s contest. Jeff should start tonight if Tony Allen is unable to go and/or unable to play regular minutes. Thankfully JG matches up extremely well at the small forward position with the Warriors’ unsung hero–Harrison Barnes.

Stand together, Grizz Nation! The best is yet to come for your Memphis Grizzlies. This team–right now–needs the fans, their “sixth man,” more than ever.

Starting Lineups (subject to change)

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Mike Conley (point guard), Courtney Lee (shooting guard), Tony Allen* (small forward), Zach Randolph (power forward), Marc Gasol (center)

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Stephen Curry (point guard), Klay Thompson (shooting guard), Harrison Barnes (small forward), Draymond Green (power forward), Andrew Bogut (center)

* = If Allen cannot play this evening, Jeff Green will likely be the substitute.

Injury Report

May 9, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) shoots over Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies list guard/forward Tony Allen as being “questionable” for tonight’s Game 5. All other players are available.

The Golden State Warriors report forward/center Marreese Speights as being out tonight with a strained calf. He is to be undergoing an MRI soon and is expected to miss at least one week of basketball activities. The Ws are reporting no known injuries or limitations.

Personal Prediction

Memphis’ Tony Allen is a MAJOR factor in tonight’s Game 5. If he does not suit up, the Grizzlies could possibly be in trouble. Regardless, everyone needs to bring it for the Grizz–even Grizz Nation. After Game 5, there were a lot of fair-weather fans because they thought Memphis had lost all momentum. Hello, people! The series is tied at 2-2 and there is a lot of basketball to be played. The Grizzlies won in Oracle Arena in Game 2 and they can certainly do it again. I believe the Grizz, although favored to lose by 10 points, will create another upset of the Warriors by defeating them by five points in tonight’s Game 5.

Game Time

The Memphis Grizzlies will begin their Game 5 battle against the Golden State Warriors at 9:30 P.M. Central. The game can be seen on national television on TNT. For Memphis locals, the game can be heard on the radio at 92.9 FM ESPN Radio.

Keep checking Beale Street Bears for the latest news, info, and insight into the Memphis Grizzlies’ Game 5 meeting versus the Golden State Warriors!

Go Grizz!

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