Well, here we go. The Golden State Warriors are hosting the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 7:00 p.m. PT on TNT in yet another critical game. Following Sunday’s thrilling and heartbreaking loss to the LA Clippers, the Warriors fell down to the play-in tournament, and now need to win another game to book their spot in the playoffs.
Tonight’s winner will clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference, and book a first-round date with the Houston Rockets. The loser will host a second play-in game on Friday night, against the winner of tomorrow’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. The winner of Friday’s game will earn the eighth seed and face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Needless to say, a win would be huge. The Dubs would get a handful of extra days of rest before the playoffs, would get a first-round matchup with a team they’ve played very well this year as opposed to the best team in the NBA, and wouldn’t be playing for their basketball livelihood in a single-elimination game on Friday.
Both teams will have their stars available, but have a notable name that’s dinged up. Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Questionable — Moses Moody (left mid back spasm)
Moody popped up on the injury report, which is no small thing. Since Andrew Wiggins’ departure, the fourth-year wing has been the primary defender on opposing teams’ best perimeter scorer. Which means that he’ll be tasked with defending Ja Morant tonight … an assignment he handled beautifully when these teams matched up two weeks ago.
Grizzlies
Out — Jaylen Wells (right wrist fracture/facial laceration/concussion protocol)
A triple injury is no fun! Nor is the fact that Wells has been ruled out for the rest of the season, ending a brilliant rookie campaign that will certainly earn him a spot on the All-Rookie team and some Rookie of the Year votes as well. It’s a big loss for Memphis after the 39th overall pick started 74 games for them. Thankfully it looks like he’ll make a full recovery after what was a terrifying fall in the final week of the season.
Out — Brandon Clarke (right knee PCL sprain)
Clarke was shut down about a month ago, making it two critical parts of Memphis’s rotation who are out for the year.
Enjoy the action, Dub Nation!
