Warriors vs. Grizzlies Preview & Prediction

The Golden State Warriors are winding down a historic 2014-15 NBA regular season and have clinched the top seed in the Western Conference, while the Memphis Grizzlies are in a three-way tie for third and are just a half game out of second.

Projected Starting Lineups

Memphis Grizzlies (54-26)

G Mike Conley - 15.8 ppg, 5.4 apg

G Courtney Lee – 10.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg

F Jeff Green - 13.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg

F Zach Randolph - 16.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg

C Marc Gasol – 17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.8 apg

Golden State Warriors (65-15)

G Stephen Curry – 24.0 ppg, 7.7 apg, 2.0 spg

G Klay Thompson – 21.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg

F Harrison Barnes – 10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg

F Draymond Green – 11.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg

C Andrew Bogut – 6.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg

What to watch for:

How long will Golden State's starters play?

Memphis is going to put everything they have into this game as they try to secure home court advantage in the playoffs, while Golden State is just trying to get to the postseason. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been limiting his starters' minutes since they clinched the top seed, and with how physical the Memphis Grizzlies play, he may play his best players a lot less than normal to avoid any potential injuries.

Prediction: Grizzlies win 98-96

Golden State will have the advantage when their starters play, but Memphis simply wants this one more. The Grizzlies will exploit the Warriors when they rest their best players, and that will give them the edge they need to win this game.