Programming note: Grizzlies-Warriors coverage starts tonight at 6:30pm with Warriors Pregame Live on CSN Bay Area, and streaming live right here.
OAKLAND – The Warriors, to a man, insisted no team they saw last postseason posed a tougher challenge than the Grizzlies, who had for so many years tortured them in Memphis and in Oakland.
That may have changed, though, with the Warriors running rings around and raining treys upon the bigger, slower Grizzlies.
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That’s what the Warriors (3-0) have done to their first three opponents this season, and it’s what they try to do again Monday night when they face Memphis (2-1) at Oracle Arena in the first of three home games this week.
[POOLE: No extension, but Ezeli wants to play for Warriors whole career]
OPENING LINE
Warriors by 8.5.
Golden State Warriors
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Stephen Curry vs. Mike Conley -- Two of the best PGs in the NBA, one celebrated and the other underpublicized. With the Warriors devising various strategies to contain Memphis big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, Conley must be effective for the Grizzlies to have a chance. He’s a good defender, too, but good defense rarely is enough to contain Curry.
KEEP IN MIND
Memphis was one of four teams to win at Oracle last season, joining San Antonio, Chicago and Cleveland.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (concussion) is out. F Kevon Looney (hip surgery) is out indefinitely.
Grizzlies: F Jarell Martin (L foot surgery) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors had lost 10 of 12 regular-season games against Memphis before winning the final two meetings last season. The Warriors then beat the Grizzlies in six games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
QUOTABLE
“He’s just a smart guard, crafty on both ends of the floor and really shifty with the ball in his hands. He’s like the most right-handed lefty of all time. He’s just very unique. He’s a gamer. He shows up every night. So you’ve gotta always be on your game.” – Curry on Conley