Golden State Warriors: Ranking each potential Play-In opponent

By Tony Pesta | Apr 29, 2021

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at FedExForum on March 20, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors opponents: Memphis Grizzlies

With all of the injuries Memphis has suffered throughout the season, it’s miraculous to see them at eighth in the Western Conference standings. It just goes to show their ‘Grit-and-Grind’ mentality of the past never left as this team scraps and claws its way to every win.

Led by an explosive young point guard in Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are 31-8 and have won four of their last six games. The return of Jaren Jackson Jr. is sure to make them an even tougher opponent as the big-man provides a nice inside-out dynamic on the floor.

The Grizzlies have built their success on defense, ranking ninth in the association. Names like Dillon Brooks and Justise Winslow are versatile defenders that can harass opposing ball handlers while the ever consistent Jonas Valuncinas is the type of big-body center you want to anchor efforts in the paint.

Something that separates the Grizzlies from other teams on this list is that they’ve actually competed in the Play-In Tournament before. They took part in the first-ever Play-In game last year in Orlando — losing 126-122 to the Portland Trail Blazers (more on this later).

Morant scored 35 points in the Play-In game last year and it’s safe to assume he’ll be going all-out once again this season. It will be a lot to handle for the Dubs — but a game they should be favored to win.

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