Warriors' threes meet Grizzlies' porous defense

The Memphis Grizzlies (25-57 last season) visit the Golden State Warriors (37-45) on Friday, October 23, as the league's most three-heavy offense meets a defense that ranked 26th in opponents' shooting. Tip-off is 10:00 PM ET.

All numbers here are from last season, with this season's rosters. Golden State took 49.7% of its shots from three, the highest share in the league, while Memphis allowed an effective field goal percentage of 56.2.

The Grizzlies can answer in transition. They played at the league's fifth-fastest pace, 103.6 possessions, to Golden State's 18th, and forced turnovers on 12.8% of possessions, eighth in the league. The Warriors ranked 27th in turnover rate.

On the boards, Memphis ranked 29th in defensive rebounding at 70.9%. Golden State was 22nd at 72.9%, so both teams give up second chances.

Stephen Curry anchors the Warriors after averaging 26.6 points and shooting 92.3% at the line, and Draymond Green averaged 5.5 assists. Jerami Grant led Memphis at 18.6 points, and Cam Spencer ran the offense at 5.6 assists a game.

Golden State is without Jimmy Butler, out with a return date of Saturday, January 2, and Kristaps Porzingis, also out. Brandin Podziemski is questionable. Another Warrior is out and another is questionable.

Memphis lists Cedric Coward, its top rebounder at 5.9 a game, as doubtful. Isaiah Stewart, who averaged 1.6 blocks, is questionable.

In their latest games, Memphis beat Utah 123-103 at home and Golden State lost 105-127 at the Lakers. Sportsbooks' prices give the Warriors a 61% chance to win, while Keel's projection, built from the players available, favors Memphis at 60% by 3.1 points.