April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of Oracle Arena before game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
So here we are. The first round of the playoffs saw the Grizzlies win in a Gentleman’s Sweep, but wasn’t without drama. The Grizzlies lost starting Point Guard Mike Conley to a facial injury late in Game 3, and he hasn’t played since. As we approach today’s opening game of round 2, here are the five things to know.
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Mike Conley’s Return: We don’t know when Mike Conley is going to make an appearance in this series, but it won’t be in Game 1.
Grizzlies' Mike Conley doubtful for Game 1 vs. Golden State: http://t.co/Tvs0pEECfy
— Commercial Appeal (@memphisnews) May 2, 2015
Technically, I guess doubtful means there is a chance, but let’s not kid ourselves. Mike Conley won’t play, so it will be up to Calathes and Udrih to get the job done.
Slowing down the Warriors The Warriors are the best team in the league at scoring. They are led by the Splash Brothers Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. If the Grizzlies want to win this game, they have to figure out a way to let Curry and Thompson get their points without burying the Grizzlies because they will get their points.
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a play against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Allen has to leave the tricks in Memphis Tony Allen is often called Trick or Treat, but he can’t have anything but treats. Allen is going to be the most important player on the defensive end of the court to slow down Curry and Thompson. If Allen becomes a liability on offense and starts hurting more than he helps on defense, then he will have to sit more than the Grizzlies need him to.
Find a way to score A lot of people forget that the Warriors are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They are just as effective at shutting teams down as they are at lighting them up. Scoring could be at a premium in this series.
Take the crown out of it Golden State has only lost two games at home this season. They have one of the best home court advantages in the NBA. The Grizzlies have to keep the Warriors from going on sustained runs and getting the crowd into the game.
Game 1 is hours away! Get ready to Grit n’ Grind Memphis!