Memphis Grizzlies: 5 storylines to watch vs Golden State Warriors in second round of playoffs

No. 2: How prepared are the Memphis Grizzlies for Game 1 vs Warriors?

The Memphis Grizzlies will play Game 1 vs the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 PM CT. That means only 36 hours will have passed since Memphis closed out their first-round win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 29 (which started at 8 PM CT).

Ja Morant, who admittedly has not been himself during the playoffs, had trouble consistently scoring the ball vs the Wolves in round one. Will he have better luck against the Timberwolves? How much have his struggles been tied to not feeling 100% healthy?

The Grizzlies have not had very much rest, especially compared to the Warriors, who will have had more than 3 days worth of rest before Game 1 tips off. Will that be a factor or a gift?

Some subscribe to the belief that playing on short rest allows you to stay in sync, whereas having a long game in between games throws a team out of rhythm.

No. 3: Do the Memphis Grizzlies match up with the Warriors better than the Wolves?

Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins had to get creative with his rotations against the Timberwolves, eschewing starter Steven Adams in lieu of the more nimble and efficient players.

The regular-season rotation usually went as much as six deep from the bench: Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Tyus Jones, Ziaire Williams, John Konchar, and De’Anthony Melton.

The Warriors have used a “fast five,” small-ball lineup that features Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green in the first-round matchup vs the Denver Nuggets.

Luckily, the Grizzlies found a lineup against the Timberwolves that will be able to counter such a small-ball lineup.

Will Jenkins have to get even more creative against the Warriors with his lineups?