The Warriors can boast the best regular-season record (67-15) in the league and have the NBA’s top defense. The Grizzlies have their work cut out for them in trying to contain MVP-candidate Stephen Curry. Memphis could be without star point guard Mike Conley, who is doubtful for Game 1 after undergoing surgery to repair multiple facial fractures.
MORE: Curry’s high school and college coaches explain his success | Gasol makes fan’s day
Schedule/TV (All times Eastern)
Game 1 — Sun. May 3, Memphis at Golden State, 3:30 p.m., ABC Game 2 — Tue. May 5, Memphis at Golden State, 10:30 p.m., TNT Game 3 — Sat. May 9, Golden State at Memphis, 8 p.m., ABC Game 4 — Mon. May 11, Golden State at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 5 * — Wed. May 13, Memphis at Golden State, TBD, TNT Game 6 * — Fri. May 15, Golden State at Memphis, TBD, ESPN Game 7 * — Sun. May 17, Memphis at Golden State, TBD
- If necessary
Season series: Golden State 2-1.
Key players: Golden State’s Curry and Klay Thompson combined for nearly 59 points a game against the Pelicans. Defensive stopper Draymond Green led the Warriors in rebounding at 12.8 a game in the first round.
Memphis’ Marc Gasol (19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds a game in the postseason) and Zach Randolph (13.5 and 8.5) will be a lot for Golden State to handle in the frontcourt.
Injuries: Conley is out indefinitely with fractures around his left eye. Team doctors are waiting for the swelling around his eye to go down before they say whether Conley is ready to play. Warriors forward David Lee should be good to go for the second round after he was sidelined with a lower back strain in the first round.
Prediction: Warriors in 6.
