Analyst Makes Clear Prediction Before Warriors-Grizzlies Play-In Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 5:35 AM ET

On Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors will host the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Play-In Game. The winner will go on to face the second-seeded Houston Rockets, and the loser will play either the Sacramento Kings or Dallas Mavericks for the rights to take on the Oklaoma Citu Thunder.

The Warriors are 2-2 against the Rockets this season and 2-1 against the Thunder, although their last matchup against OKC was in January. In recent months, the Thunder have hit their stride, cementing themselves as by far the most dangerous matchup.

That makes Tuesday's game a must-win contest for Golden State.

Fortunately, with home-court advantage and a 3-1 record against the Grizzlies in the regular season, Golden State is a heavy favorite in the showdown.

"Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane certainly aren't spring chickens, but they also have nowhere near as much postseason experience as Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green," wrote Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey. "Even though they aren't technically in an elimination game yet, expect those three to approach this game like one."

According to FanDuel, the Warriors are seven-point favorites in the showdown, which also bodes well.

Stephen Curry is still the golden boy of the league, and Ja Morant simply is not, so the league likely agrees with Golden State fans: the Warriors should cruise to a pretty easy win.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM PST and the game will be broadcast on TNT and streamed on MAX.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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