Memphis heads to Chase Center on Friday after opening the season with a comfortable win over Utah. Golden State returns home looking for a better performance following a lopsided loss to the Lakers. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET, with the Warriors favored by 3.5 points and the total at 235.5. Stephen Curry gives Golden State a chance to turn this game quickly, but the Warriors’ depleted rotation makes laying points difficult. I’m backing Memphis with the points and looking under the total.
Grizzlies vs Warriors Game Information
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors |
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT |
| Arena | Chase Center |
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Television and streaming | NBC Sports Bay Area / Peacock regional coverage; WATN / DAZN Memphis |
| Spread used | Memphis +3.5 |
| Total used | 235.5 |
| Records entering Friday | Memphis 1-0; Golden State 0-1 |
Memphis Needs More Than Another Ty Jerome Scoring Show
Memphis enters Friday at 1-0 after beating Utah 123-103 at home Wednesday. This is the Grizzlies’ first road game, so their road record remains 0-0. The opener was encouraging, but winning comfortably against Utah does not answer how this young group will handle Curry’s movement and Golden State’s home crowd. Memphis needs the same attention to possessions when the opponent starts making consecutive shots.
The Grizzlies scored 123 points while holding Utah to 103, giving them room to survive some uneven individual performances. Cameron Boozer shot 2-for-15 but still contributed 11 rebounds and five assists. That is useful production when the jumper is missing. Against Golden State, Memphis needs to turn its size into completed defensive possessions and opportunities near the basket. Chasing Curry without controlling the rebound would leave the hardest part of the possession unfinished.
Ty Jerome led the opener with 45 points, seven rebounds and six assists, shooting 17-for-25 overall and 5-for-10 from three. Jerami Grant added 15 points, while Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson each scored 12. Expecting another 45 from Jerome would be asking too much; the supporting offense needs to carry more of the scoring. Availability also matters: the NBA’s October 22, 8:15 p.m. ET report listed Cedric Coward as doubtful with a left wrist sprain and Isaiah Stewart as questionable with a left ankle sprain.
Golden State Must Give Curry More Help at Both Ends
Golden State is 0-1 following Wednesday’s 127-105 road loss to the Lakers. Friday is its home opener, with a home record of 0-0 entering the matchup. Returning to Chase Center should help the Warriors settle into familiar surroundings, but the location alone cannot repair the problems from Los Angeles. Golden State needs a more competitive defensive performance before it can reasonably expect to create separation as the favorite.
The Warriors allowed 127 points and lost the third quarter 36-16. That stretch turned a difficult game into a comfortable Lakers win. Memphis presents a different offensive challenge, but the priority remains protecting the basket without giving away uncontested perimeter opportunities. At the other end, Golden State needs the movement around Curry to produce useful shots for teammates. If Memphis can concentrate its coverage on him without paying elsewhere, the Warriors’ offense becomes easier to contain.
Curry scored 23 points on 7-for-15 shooting in the opener, although he made only two of seven three-point attempts. Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos each added 12 points. The latest checked official report listed Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody out following knee surgeries, with Kristaps Porzingis out and not with the team. Brandin Podziemski was questionable with lower-back soreness, and Charles Bassey was questionable with right patellar tendinopathy. Those absences and uncertainties leave Golden State with limited room for another quiet night from its supporting players.
Grizzlies vs Warriors Statistical Comparison
These figures reflect each team’s first regular-season game of 2026-27. They are one-game results, not established season trends.
| Category | Memphis Grizzlies | Golden State Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Relevant venue record | 0-0 away | 0-0 home |
| Opening opponent | Utah Jazz | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Opening result | Won 123-103 | Lost 105-127 |
| Points scored | 123 | 105 |
| Points allowed | 103 | 127 |
| Scoring margin | +20 | -22 |
| Leading scorer | Ty Jerome: 45 | Stephen Curry: 23 |
Scoring Comparison Against the Total
| Scoring Measure | Combined Points |
|---|---|
| Memphis opening game | 226 |
| Golden State opening game | 232 |
| Simple average of those results | 229 |
| Betting total used | 235.5 |
| Our projected total | 232 |
The opening-game comparison provides context only. Different opponents, available players and shooting results limit its value as a forecast.
Three Matchups Worth Watching
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Memphis perimeter coverage vs Stephen Curry | The Grizzlies must follow Curry through multiple actions without abandoning the rest of the floor. |
| Memphis rebounding vs Golden State’s available frontcourt | Finishing defensive possessions would limit the Warriors’ opportunities to recover from missed shots. |
| Golden State’s supporting offense vs Memphis’ help defense | Reliable secondary scoring would make it harder for Memphis to direct extra attention toward Curry. |
Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +3.5
I’m taking Memphis +3.5, with the Grizzlies also my narrow outright winner. The strongest argument is Golden State’s limited rotation and the pressure that puts on Curry to create enough offense while the defense improves. Memphis has a route to staying competitive through rebounding and contributions beyond its leading scorer. The concern is obvious: Jerome’s opening performance was exceptional, and a road offense built around repeating that shooting would be vulnerable. Coward’s doubtful status also weakens Memphis’ depth. Still, Golden State has enough unresolved problems that I prefer getting more than a possession with the visitors. Curry can carry the Warriors to a win, but Memphis +3.5 provides protection against a close home victory.
Total Pick: Under 235.5
The under is the secondary selection. Memphis does not need another 45-point game from Jerome to compete, and Golden State’s missing offensive options could make sustained scoring difficult when Curry sits or draws extra attention. I expect stretches where both teams have to work through half-court possessions rather than trade easy baskets. The risk is Golden State’s defense: allowing Memphis repeated finishes around the basket would undermine the under quickly. Curry also needs only a short burst to change the scoring pace. My projection is Memphis 118, Golden State 114, totaling 232 points. That leaves a modest cushion below 235.5, so I prefer the Memphis spread over the total.
Final Prediction
| Selection | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline lean | Memphis Grizzlies |
| ATS pick | Memphis Grizzlies +3.5 |
| Total pick | Under 235.5 |
| Projected score | Memphis 118, Golden State 114 |
| Preferred bet | Memphis Grizzlies +3.5 |
Final Picks: Memphis Grizzlies +3.5 and Under 235.5.
Find more matchup breakdowns and daily selections on our NBA picks and predictions page.
Completed October 22, 2026. Injury information reflects the NBA’s October 22, 8:15 p.m. ET report. Betting lines, player availability and starting lineups may change. Statistical comparisons use each team’s opening game of the 2026-27 regular season.