The Grizzlies face the Golden Warriors tonight at FedExForum and weeknight games against the Warriors have historically been among the worst attended Grizzlies games. But fans should consider giving this game a shot: The Grizzlies are playing well and the Warriors are playing crazy, which means tonight’s has enormous entertainment potential.
It’ll be the second meeting for these teams after the Warriors won 113-105 in Oakland November 4th. But a lot has changed since then: Both teams have jettisoned volatile “stars,” Stephen Jackson and Allen Iverson, respectively, and have headed in different directions: The Grizzlies winners of two in a row and 6 of 9 in December, the Warriors on a five-game losing streak and 1-9 in December (only win against the Nets).
What to make of the match-up:
1. Clashing Styles: While the Grizzlies are a relatively fast-paced (11th), high-scoring (also 11th) team, they’re nothing like the Warriors who are the most extreme team in the league. With injuries to four key frontcourt players (Andris Biedrins, Ronny Turiaf, Brandon Wright, and Mikki Moore), the Warriors have been playing an even more extreme version of coach Don Nelson’s favored small ball, featuring lineups that are frequently made up entirely of guards and swingmen, with colossally talented but still-developing Anthony Randolph the only legitimate frontcourt player seeing regular minutes. As a result, the Warriors play the smallest lineups and fastest pace in the NBA.