Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors: Can Memphis Keep Its New Attack Rolling?

Memphis arrives in the Bay Area with a new backcourt identity and an early reason for optimism. Ty Jerome opened the regular season with a career-high 45 points against Utah, directing an offence that also received contributions from Jerami Grant, GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells. That performance immediately raises a different question for the Grizzlies: can they generate the same quality of opportunities against a Golden State defence designed to force decisions quickly? A single game does not establish a season-long trend, but it gives Memphis a clear attacking blueprint to test on the road.

The Warriors present a very different challenge from Utah. Stephen Curry’s movement away from the ball can stretch defensive assignments before he even receives a pass, while Draymond Green’s playmaking helps turn defensive attention into open looks for teammates. Memphis will need to communicate through screens, avoid losing shooters during rotations and keep the ball out of dangerous passing lanes. If the Grizzlies can make Golden State work late into possessions, they can reduce the space available for quick perimeter attacks. If they overcommit to Curry, the Warriors have other ways to punish the defence.

For Memphis, the transition from a big opening-night scoring display to a road test will depend on balance. Jerome’s shot creation matters, but the Grizzlies also need Grant and their younger players to contribute without relying on one player to carry every possession. Their work on the glass could be especially important: Memphis outrebounded Utah by a substantial margin in its opener, and second chances can help offset periods when perimeter shooting cools. The Warriors, meanwhile, must account for the possibility that Memphis uses its size to attack the offensive boards rather than settling for early jumpers.

The main pre-game story is availability. Golden State’s injury situation has involved several rotation players, while Curry has been reported day-to-day with an ankle issue. The official NBA report available when this preview was prepared had not yet been submitted for this specific game, so the latest reported statuses should not be mistaken for final game-day clearance. That uncertainty affects the tactical picture: Golden State’s ball-handling and shooting options change considerably depending on who is available, and Memphis may need to adjust its defensive matchups accordingly.

❗ Injury Status: Latest Available Information

Important reporting note: the official NBA injury report published at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on October 22 marked both Memphis and Golden State as “NOT YET SUBMITTED” for this matchup. The entries below reflect the latest publicly reported injury information available before that game’s official report was filed; they are provisional and must be checked against the final NBA report before tip-off. They are not presented as confirmed game-day designations.

Memphis Grizzlies

Golden State Warriors

No long-term category has been assigned here because the available material does not establish a formal long-term or IR designation for this game. The final NBA report should take precedence over earlier previews and injury summaries.

🟢 Projected Lineups and Players to Watch

These are provisional projected groups based on recent team usage and available roster information, not confirmed starting lineups. Golden State’s selection depends especially on Curry’s availability; Memphis may also adjust its rotation according to the final report.

Memphis Grizzlies — Projected Starters

Golden State Warriors — Projected Starters

Matchup Notes: Four Things Worth Tracking

• Jerome’s follow-up: Golden State will try to make his decisions more difficult than they were against Utah, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
• Curry’s availability: His status affects not only scoring but also the spacing and defensive attention available to the rest of the Warriors.
• Rebounding battle: Memphis can create extra possessions with its size; Golden State must finish defensive stops and avoid giving up second chances.
• Rotation depth: Several reported absences could place extra responsibility on the Warriors’ supporting players and change how they defend Memphis’ wings.

Memphis has an opportunity to test whether its opening-night offensive rhythm can survive a more complex perimeter defence. Golden State’s best response is likely to involve movement, quick passing and making the Grizzlies defend multiple actions rather than allowing them to settle into one-on-one matchups. The final injury report and official starters remain essential pieces of the picture. Until those are confirmed, this should be treated as a tactical preview—not a claim that either team’s final rotation is settled.