Warriors at Grizzlies
THE STORY: As Memphis bides its time until Zach Randolph returns from injury, the Grizzlies are proving that they aren’t a one-man show. Memphis, which resides sixth in the Eastern Conference, will go for a fourth consecutive win when they welcome the Golden State Warriors to the FedExForum on Saturday night. The Warriors have dropped their past five road games against the Grizzlies, who last lost at home to their California foes on April 4, 2008.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area, SportSouth
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (11-16): The Warriors will need to improve their shooting if they hope to earn a surprise win in Memphis. Golden State shot a season-worst 34.8 percent in a 110-87 loss to Oklahoma City on Friday. David Lee finished with 23 points and six rebounds but broke his streak of three consecutive double-doubles. Point guard Stephen Curry has struggled to 10.5 points – almost six below his average - on 31.9 shooting his last four outings.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (17-14): Marc Gasol was recently named to his first career All-Star team, a much deserved honor. The Spanish center is second on the squad in scoring and first in rebounding. He also ranks fifth in the NBA with 2.13 blocks per game. Point guard Mike Conley has been doing his part, averaging 17.7 points and 7.0 assists in his three previous games. Memphis has gotten it done defensively, allowing 91.9 points – eighth in the league.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Warriors guard Monta Ellis is expected to be in the lineup despite leaving Friday’s game with a hyperextended right knee. The injury isn’t considered serious.
2. The Grizzlies have won 11 of 16 at home.