The NBA-best Golden State Warriors passed the first test of their 2015 NBA Playoffs with flying colors. They'll now have to contend with a battle-tested "Grit and Grind" Memphis Grizzlies squad in the Western Conference Semifinals.
This series has the potential to be a classic with two physical teams getting ready to do work in hopes of moving one step away from the NBA Finals.
Here's a sneak preview of what to expect in Game 1.
Projected Starting Lineups
(all stats based on playoff performance)
(5) Memphis Grizzlies
G: Nick Calathes: 6.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg
G: Courtney Lee: 17.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg
F: Tony Allen: 5.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg
F: Zach Randolph: 14.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg
C: Marc Gasol: 20.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 5.0 apg
(1) Golden State Warriors
G: Stephen Curry: 33.8 ppg, 7.3 apg, 5.3 rpg
G: Klay Thompson: 25.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg
F: Harrison Barnes: 8.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg
F: Draymond Green: 15.8 ppg, 12.8 rpg
C: Andrew Bogut: 6.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg
What To Watch For?
The Conley Effect
Mike Conley was seen practicing at Oracle Arena before Game 1, but he was still doubtful to appear as of this writing due to facial fractures suffered in Memphis' previous series against Portland. While the Grizzlies have the bodies in the post to contend with Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green, Conley's presence as a perimeter defender and active body on the run (not to mention his scoring) will be crucial in the team's attempts to check Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Conley may not be a series-swinger, but he's a key piece to the Grizzlies' puzzle in this monumental Western Conference clash.
Prediction: Warriors win 105-99
Conley or no Conley, a well-rested Warriors team should come out firing on all cylinders in front of the one of the most rabid home crowds in all of the NBA. Dubs win what should be a worthy first round of this heavyweight battle.
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