Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors: Memphis’ Rebounding Edge Travels to Chase Center

The interior mismatch

Golden State’s season began with Walker Kessler making all 12 of his shots and the Lakers scoring 66 points in the paint. The Warriors lost 127-105, and the interior numbers were more concerning than the final margin.

Golden State opened without Kristaps Porzingis and used a small starting frontcourt featuring Draymond Green and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Al Horford and Graham Ike combined for only 29 minutes off the bench. That group could not provide much resistance around the rim, and the Warriors finished with two blocked shots and 36 rebounds.

Memphis presents a different problem than Los Angeles, but the pressure point is the same. Zach Edey, Cameron Boozer and an active collection of bigger wings can force Golden State to defend through multiple efforts rather than simply switching actions on the perimeter.

More than a hot shooting night

The Grizzlies outrebounded Utah 63-44 in their 123-103 opener and collected 15 offensive boards. Edey had nine rebounds in 21 minutes, Boozer grabbed 11, and Cedric Coward and GG Jackson combined for another 15.

That production matters because it did not depend on Memphis shooting unusually well. The Grizzlies made a respectable 38.2% of their 3-pointers, but Boozer went 2-for-15 and still contributed five assists alongside his work on the glass. Memphis found enough possessions to pull away even with its prized rookie missing 13 shots.

Ty Jerome’s 45 points on 17-for-25 shooting are the obvious reason to hesitate. That is not a sensible scoring baseline, especially on the road against a Warriors team that can apply more experienced guard pressure. Stephen Curry also played only 21 minutes once the Lakers game got away, so Golden State should have its best offensive player relatively fresh for the home opener.

Still, Memphis does not need another 45 from Jerome to stay close if it controls the rebounding battle. The Grizzlies’ size gives them a dependable way to survive colder perimeter stretches.

Four points carry value

The under at 235.5 has some appeal after these teams’ openers produced 226 and 232 total points, but early-season rotation uncertainty makes the side cleaner. Memphis at +140 on the moneyline offers upside, though the four-point cushion is more useful with such a young road team.

My projection is Memphis 116, Golden State 114. The Warriors can rebound offensively from Wednesday’s poor shooting and still struggle to create separation if they continue giving up efficient interior chances and second shots. Memphis Grizzlies +4 at -110 with Fanatics is the recommendation.