Grizzlies vs Warriors live: where to watch, probable lineups with Jimmy Butler, and more
This Tuesday night, April 1, 2025, promises a high-stakes showdown in the NBA regular season as the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Golden State Warriors at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Scheduled for 8:00 PM EDT (9:00 PM Brasília time), the game pits two Western Conference teams against each other in contrasting phases but with clear ambitions. The Grizzlies, reeling from a recent skid and a coaching change, aim to rebound at home, while the Warriors, riding a wave of confidence after a blowout win, look to solidify their standing. Featuring stars like Ja Morant and Jimmy Butler, this matchup is set to deliver intensity and rivalry, reigniting a clash that has defined recent NBA seasons.
Sporting identical 44-29 records, both teams sit in the thick of the playoff race with just nine games left. Memphis, fifth in the West, has dropped five of its last six, prompting the dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo now faces a tough test in his debut. Meanwhile, Golden State, sixth in the standings, arrives fresh off a 148-point rout of the San Antonio Spurs, their highest-scoring game this season. The FedExForum’s electric crowd, a hallmark of Grizzlies home games, adds an extra layer of pressure and excitement to an already pivotal contest.
Rivalry defines this matchup, with recent history showing a near-perfect balance. Over the past five meetings, each team has claimed two victories, with one game hinging on a single possession. These clashes have averaged 226 combined points, hinting at another potential shootout. Memphis leans on its stout frontcourt, led by Jaren Jackson Jr., while Golden State counters with Stephen Curry’s sharpshooting and Jimmy Butler’s all-around tenacity, a dynamic duo that has revitalized the Warriors’ campaign.
Where to watch live and how to tune in
Basketball fans have straightforward options to catch the action. The game will air on Amazon Prime Video, which has expanded its NBA coverage, and the NBA League Pass, the league’s official streaming service, starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Both platforms offer high-quality streams accessible on smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs, complete with live stats and commentary in English, with Portuguese available in select feeds. For those in Memphis, tickets remain on sale via the Grizzlies’ official site, ranging from $30 to $200 depending on seating.
Probable lineups and injury updates
Under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to tweak their starting five. Based on their latest outing—a 114-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers—the lineup likely features Ja Morant at point guard, Desmond Bane at shooting guard, Jaylen Wells at small forward, Jaren Jackson Jr. at power forward, and Zach Edey at center. Injuries plague the roster, with Marcus Smart sidelined by a shoulder issue and Vince Williams Jr. out indefinitely with an ankle injury. Bane, averaging 18 points per game, remains a key offensive spark.
Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors, coming off their Spurs demolition, are poised to field Stephen Curry at point guard, Moses Moody at shooting guard, Brandin Podziemski at small forward, Jimmy Butler at power forward, and Draymond Green at center. Gary Payton II is out with a torn thumb ligament, and Jonathan Kuminga is questionable with an ankle tweak from the last game, potentially forcing lineup adjustments. Curry, hitting 39% from three, and Butler, with his two-way dominance, pose a formidable challenge.
- Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey
- Warriors: Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green
Key stats and standout players
Individual brilliance fuels this matchup. Ja Morant, despite Memphis’s struggles, posts 20.8 points and 8 assists per game, driving the Grizzlies’ offense. Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered 22 points and 11 rebounds in their last head-to-head, a force in the paint. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry leads with 26 points per night, while Jimmy Butler adds 19 points and clutch playmaking. Brandin Podziemski’s 27-point outburst against the Spurs, including a franchise-record seven threes, signals his rising star.
Team trends highlight contrasting strengths. Memphis boasts the West’s fifth-best defense, allowing under 110 points per game, though their offense has dipped to 105 points recently. Golden State, with the season’s second-highest scoring output, showcased their firepower with 148 points and 50% field goal shooting against San Antonio. However, their interior defense remains a vulnerability that Memphis could exploit with Jackson Jr. and Edey.
Head-to-head history and recent form
The Grizzlies-Warriors rivalry has produced thrilling moments over the years. Since 2000, they’ve met 100 times, with Memphis holding a slight 51-49 edge. Memphis’s biggest win was a 134-95 thrashing, while Golden State once triumphed 119-69. This season, Memphis crushed Golden State 144-93 on December 20, 2024, only for the Warriors to retaliate 121-101 on January 4.
Recent results paint a clearer picture. Memphis has won just once in their last five—112-108 over the Miami Heat—falling to the Thunder (120-105), Hawks (115-109), Spurs (108-102), and Lakers (114-110). Golden State, conversely, has won four straight: Suns (118-112), Mavericks (126-120), Nuggets (130-125), and Spurs (148-106), with their lone loss to the Thunder (122-115).
Home advantage and game conditions
Playing at the FedExForum gives Memphis a significant boost. The Grizzlies have won 12 of 15 home games this season, averaging a conference-best 122.1 points as hosts. The 18,119-capacity arena is expected to be packed, amplifying the atmosphere. Weather in Memphis tonight forecasts a cool 46-54°F with partly cloudy skies and no rain—perfect for fans heading to the game.
Golden State faces a tough road test. In their last seven visits to Memphis, they’ve lost six, including a 116-107 defeat last season. With Payton II out and Kuminga uncertain, Kerr will rely on pace and perimeter shooting to counter Memphis’s physicality. The Warriors’ recent form, however, keeps them in contention despite the hostile environment.
Betting odds and tactical breakdown
Analysts slightly favor the Warriors, buoyed by their hot streak and Curry-Butler tandem. Betnacional’s odds, updated at 8:40 AM EDT, list Golden State at 1.43 and Memphis at 2.77. Memphis’s stout defense could level the playing field if Morant and Bane heat up. The Grizzlies will aim to dominate the paint and slow Golden State’s three-point barrage, which hit 20 against the Spurs.
Tactically, Memphis thrives on Morant’s fast breaks and Jackson Jr.’s interior presence, while Golden State counters with Butler’s versatility and Curry’s long-range wizardry. The officiating crew, yet to be announced, will need experience to manage this high-energy clash.
Fun facts heating up the matchup
Historical nuggets add flavor to the game. The FedExForum, opened in 2004, has seen the Warriors fall in playoff heartbreakers, like in 2021. Curry holds the NBA’s all-time three-point record, while Morant, at 25, ranks among the league’s most dynamic guards. The last 10 meetings averaged 220 combined points, promising fireworks.
- Memphis leads the NBA in offensive rebounds, averaging 14 per game.
- Golden State has won three titles in the last decade (2015, 2017, 2018).
- Jackson Jr. dropped 38 points in their last home meeting.
Upcoming schedule
Both teams face critical games ahead, all in EDT:
- Grizzlies: April 3 at Atlanta Hawks (away, 7:00 PM), April 5 vs Dallas Mavericks (home, 8:00 PM), April 7 at Denver Nuggets (away, 9:00 PM).
- Warriors: April 4 vs Los Angeles Clippers (home, 9:00 PM), April 6 at Milwaukee Bucks (away, 8:30 PM), April 8 vs Sacramento Kings (home, 10:00 PM).
Playoff stakes and outlook
With identical records, this game carries playoff implications, potentially deciding home-court advantage. Memphis must stabilize after recent turmoil, while Golden State aims to maintain momentum. Butler’s addition has bolstered the Warriors’ veteran core, while Iisalo’s interim stint tests Memphis’s resilience.
The FedExForum faithful, a force in tough times, could tip the scales, but Golden State’s firepower might quiet the crowd. Whether streamed at home or experienced live, this Grizzlies-Warriors clash is a must-watch in the 2024/25 NBA season.
