Warriors center Andrew Bogut has made clear that the quest to win a record 73 games is a lower priority to him than the goal of winning another championship.
His actions Saturday echoed that sentiment.
Given the option to play or rest against the Grizzlies at FedEx Forum in Memphis, the 7-foot veteran opted to sit out and preserve himself for the more significant game Sunday night in San Antonio.
So the Warriors (70-9), who must win their final three games to reach 73 wins, will continue their quest with those placing a higher priority on achieving it. The minutes of all players will be monitored closely Saturday, coach Steve Kerr said, particularly fellow veterans Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston.
That may be enough against reeling Memphis. Though the Grizzlies (42-36) clinched a berth in the Western Conference playoffs, their roster has been devastated by a succession of serious injuries. They’ve lost six of their last seven.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 12.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Draymond Green/Marreese Speights vs. Zach Randolph: Green and Randolph, Michigan State products, have a brotherly relationship that pauses during the game. Though Green is 30 pound lighter, his solid defense on Z-Bo helped sell the Warriors on his potential at power forward. Yet it’s nice to have Speights as a tag-team partner on one of the NBA’s more physical big men. With Andrew Bogut out, there also is the likelihood that Festus Ezeli could get minutes against Z-Bo.
LAST 10
Warriors: 8-2. Grizzlies: 3-7.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut rest) and F Kevon Looney (R hip inflammation) are listed as out.
Grizzlies: C Marc Gasol (R foot fracture), G Mike Conley (L Achilles tendinitis), F Brandan Wright (R MCL sprain) and G Jordan Adams (R knee surgery) are listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors won the last four meetings, including the first two this season, 119-69 on Nov. 2 in Oakland, and 100-84 on Nov. 11 in Memphis. Prior last season, the Warriors had lost 11 of 13 meetings.
QUOTABLE
“The one thing I won’t do is play anybody 38, 40 minutes. No matter what happens tonight, we’ll keep minutes down for our key guys. And I expect everybody to be ready to contribute and play a solid game.” – Kerr on is roster-management plan for Saturday night
