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Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference foes

By Parker Fleming

Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making his 400th three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 125-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making his 400th three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 125-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Golden State Warriors

Overview:

Barring any sort of disaster, the Golden State Warriors will be the first seed for the Western Conference. A trio of two-time MVP Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green is already a title contender. What could make them even better?! Adding top-5 player Kevin Durant. A “Death Lineup” of Curry-Thompson-Iguodala-Durant-Green is the scariest lineup in basketball (history?). All they have to do is stay healthy, and their title odds are nearly definite.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Size

Aside from Zaza Pachulia and David West, the Golden State Warriors are a small team. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol must be on their A-plus games in order to take down this juggernaut. If the Warriors want to gamble Draymond on Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies must use the height mismatch and attack on the offensive end.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

Too Much Scoring

Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson can all go for 40-50 points any given night. Even if one is off, the Warriors still have two elite options. On top of that, they have Draymond Green, too. Even if the Grizzlies can shut down one player, that might not be enough to stop the Warriors.

Projected Record: 67-15

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