Star point guards Ja Morant and Stephen Curry will continue a tightly contested rivalry when the Grizzlies and Warriors duel Monday night in Golden State.
Here are five things to know ahead of tip-off between Memphis and Golden State (10 ET, League Pass).
- They’ve been neck and neck: Last season ended with both teams finishing 48-34, and squaring off in a Play-In game. The Warriors were victorious in that matchup 121-116, as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 75 points. They’ll have matching records again when they meet Monday night, with each team sitting at 2-1.
- Rookies making an impact: Memphis got a lot of help from then-rookie Jaylen Wells last season, and they’re getting a good amount from 2025’s No. 11 pick, Cedric Coward. He’s averaging 19.0 points per game through three contests on a robust 70.4% shooting from the floor. It’s not only Coward, though; Javon Small (Pick No. 48 in the 2025 Draft) has earned a role, while Scotty Pippen Jr. has been sidelined. He’s added 8.3 points and 5.7 assists in 20.3 minutes per game.
- He’s still got it: Curry has been hot out of the gates, averaging 33.3 points on 45.7% long-range shooting thus far. Although it’s still extremely early, Curry hasn’t averaged over 30 PPG since the 2020-21 season. Although it’s unlikely to be a sustainable output, there’s no question that Curry and the Warriors have played better since acquiring Butler at last season’s trade deadline.
- Battle on the inside: Memphis and Golden State were top-7 rebounding teams last season, but each has found less success on the glass so far. They’re also both in the bottom five in points allowed in the paint. It’s still very early, but in the context of this game, whoever manages to make strides in protecting the paint may have the edge when it comes to who gets the victory.
- Can Memphis end skid?: Including last season’s Play-In game, Memphis has lost three straight to the Warriors, including five of their last six. They’ll look to snap the losing streak and turn the tide against a conference foe tonight on NBA League Pass.
