The Golden State Warriors started the year with a much-needed win. Stephen Curry stood as the lead architect. The Baby Face Assassin punished the Philadelphia 76ers for 30 points, not missing a single of his eight three-point attempts. Likewise, it gave the Warriors the ability the carry the confidence. Now, another test awaits, against their arch-rivals Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Bay won’t be at full strength.

Curry has been dealing with bilateral knee tendinitis since the beginning of the season. It comes at this stage of the 36-year-old’s career, that the Warriors are prioritizing rest as a way to tackle through. Hence, against an injury-riddled Memphis squad, the front office has considered resting Curry on the first game of a back-to-back.

The two-time MVP is starting to get into a rhythm after a slow start to the season. In 27 games, Curry is averaging 22.3 points, his lowest since the 2019-20 season. Albeit, it looks like the franchise wants to keep Curry’s battery fully secure for the postseason, hence they aren’t trying to overuse him in the regular season.

However, that’s not the only player the Warriors will miss.

Golden State Warriors depth

Aside from Curry taking a rest, Gary Payton II continues to be on the sidelines with a calf strain. He last played in the Christmas Day game against the Lakers. Additionally, Brandin Podziemski is yet to have recovered his abdominal tightness and has been officially ruled out for the contest against the Grizzlies.

With all the injuries, here are all the players the Warriors will have available against the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies too have some key absences. Star point guard Ja Morant remains out along with Marcus Smart. However, center Zach Edey has returned and could be a potential threat against the Warriors who don’t play with a distinguished five. With Stephen Curry out of the equation, the onus will be on Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga to make up for the scoring that’s lost.

With such key absences on both sides, the Grizzlies have an advantage in terms of continuity. Jaren Jackson Jr. is flourishing for the Grizzlies averaging 22.2 points per game. In addition, Desmond Bane also has the ability to heat up from range. Even though the records don’t suggest so, this could be a closer game than most would imagine.

Who do you think wins this battle? Let us know your views in the comments below.