The Golden State Warriors are now the clear favourite to win a championship this year, but they face a tough task in the form of the Memphis Grizzlies next.
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland.
When: Sunday May 3, 20:30 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The No.1 seed in the Western Conference looked impressive in the first round with their series sweep against the New Orleans Pelicans, but this is a completely different test.
Memphis and their ‘grit and grind’ style are perfect for the playoffs, and that should mean the Warriors will come under pressure in this match-up which will test their championship credentials.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson led the charge last time out while their depth was a huge advantage over their rivals, and that could be a factor in this series too.
The Grizzlies will also have a huge obstacle to overcome too if they want to advance, as the Warriors have gone 41-2 at home this year while winning their last 20 games at the Oracle.
Their home court is the definition of a fortress and so it will take something special for Memphis to defeat them on Sunday, especially if point guard Mike Conley hasn’t recovered after surgery to repair broken bones in his face.
His absence will be a huge loss for the Grizzlies as he will need to play an important role on both ends of the court, and they don’t have the quality of depth to entirely cover for him.
While Memphis have the weaker back-court, they will be confident of winning the battle of the bigs, with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph needed to win the fight on the boards to give their team the best chance possible.
However, this is too much of a hurdle for them to overcome on Sunday and and the Warriors will be ready to inflict the first blow on their march towards a title.
Prediction: Warriors to win.
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