Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 23, 2026
A 45-point night from Ty Jerome is one way to begin a season. Memphis enjoyed that performance Wednesday, while Golden State had a rough trip to see the Lakers. On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies visit the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco. Tipoff is 10:00 pm ET on NBA League Pass. Memphis enters 1-0, tied for first in the Southwest Division after beating Utah 123-103. Golden State is 0-1, third in the Pacific following a 127-105 loss to the Lakers. The Warriors have ground to make up around the basket. Cash in a winner with our free NBA picks.
Memphis Found a Scorer and Controlled the Glass
Utah briefly made things interesting in Memphis, but the Grizzlies came out after the break with an 18-4 run. The Jazz spent the rest of the night playing catch-up. Memphis didn't need every possession to end with a jumper. The Grizzlies kept getting to loose balls and attacking the paint. They finished with 55 rebounds and seven blocks, allowing 103 points in a 123-103 win. That physical approach could be useful against a Golden State team that struggled inside Wednesday.
Jerome's 45 points were the talking point, but his six assists also led Memphis. Jerome also knocked down five three-pointers. Cameron Boozer struggled with his shot, yet his 11 rebounds led the Grizzlies. Zach Edey and GG Jackson shared the team lead with two blocks each. Jerami Grant added 15 points off the bench. Jerome can create offense while the big men compete for extra possessions. Golden State will have to account for both.
Injuries: Isaiah Stewart is questionable with an ankle injury.
Golden State Has to Reclaim Its Home Court
Golden State was only a point behind the Lakers after the first quarter. The next two periods were another matter. The Warriors scored 19 in the second and 16 in the third, giving Los Angeles time to stretch its lead. The 127-105 loss also raised questions about the interior defense. Golden State collected 36 rebounds and blocked two shots, while the Lakers got comfortable near the basket. That is not a promising setup for facing Memphis. The Warriors need to fight harder for position and avoid giving away second chances.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points but couldn't carry the offense through its quiet stretches. Draymond Green delivered a team-high eight assists, moving the ball even when shots weren't falling. Gui Santos and Will Richard had five rebounds apiece to share that lead. Green and Graham Ike also shared the blocks lead with one each. Brandon Williams scored 14 off the bench. Golden State has enough passing to create good looks, but the guards need more help from the frontcourt.
Injuries: Brandin Podziemski and Charles Bassey are questionable. Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler III are out.
Key To The Game
Memphis controlled the boards against Utah, while Golden State struggled there against the Lakers. Curry can swing a game quickly, but the Warriors must finish defensive possessions before Jerome and the Memphis big men get another chance.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Game Pick
- Memphis Grizzlies +3.5
Golden State gets home court, but Memphis has an advantage worth watching around the basket. Boozer and Edey can keep possessions alive, while Jerome already looks comfortable creating his own shots. Curry presents a difficult assignment, and the Warriors will respond after Wednesday's loss. Still, Memphis doesn't need another 45-point outburst to compete. The Grizzlies will stay within reach and cover the 3.5-point spread on Friday night in San Francisco.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Over/Under Pick
- Under 235.5
Golden State's offense went quiet for two quarters against the Lakers, and Memphis showed how much it values rebounding and defending the paint. The Warriors will want cleaner possessions at home rather than another chase from behind. Jerome and Curry can certainly make difficult shots, but Memphis has the size to slow things down and challenge finishes inside. Expect the matchup to finish under the 235.5-point total on Friday night.