Programming note: Watch "Warriors Playoff Central" tonight at 6:30 p.m. and immediately following Game 2 on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Plus, and streaming live right here.
OAKLAND – The Warriors have won 21 consecutive home games and realize that pushing the streak to 22 puts them halfway to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 39 years.
The Warriors aim to take a 2-0 series lead Tuesday night in Game 2 of their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals series against Memphis. And once again, there will be a roaring throng at Oracle Arena.
The Grizzlies had little success in Game 1 on Sunday, falling behind in the first two minutes and trailing by as much as 20 before taking a 101-86 loss.
Memphis was without point guard Mike Conley, and may be again. Stephen Curry – who on Tuesday was named league MVP – took advantage, torching any defender that tried to stop him.
[RELATED: During MVP speech, did Curry lobby for Lacob to pay Draymond?]
OPENING LINE
Warriors by 10.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Andrew Bogut/Draymond Green vs. Marc Gasol/Zach Randolph: The Griz duo won the scoring battle in Game 1 and still lost big. They even put Bogut and Green in foul trouble. And still lost big. Bogut and Green merely need to ensure Randolph and Gasol aren't enough to give Memphis a victory.
Klay Thompson vs. Tony Allen: Allen typically draws Thompson, with Conley on Curry. If Conley can't go, Allen will see time against both Splash Brothers. The problem the Grizzlies have is that he can't guard both simultaneously.
[RELATED: Grizzlies' Allen: Curry 'ain't nothing I ain't never seen before']
Stephen Curry vs. Mike Conley/Beno Udrih/Nick Calathes: Even if Conley is able to go, he'll be at a decided disadvantage against a game-sharp Curry. Chances are the new MVP will get more of Udrih and Smith. Neither has a prayer of containing Curry.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1-Park on the arc: The Warriors specialize in bombing from 3-point distance, and these Grizzlies lack the range to cover such broad territory. It's that simple.
2-Quiet whistles: The Warriors got away with Bogut and Green, due to foul trouble, playing limited minutes in Game 1. This is not a strategy they wish to repeat.
3-Run, run, run: What the Warriors knew beforehand was reinforced in Game 1. The more they can get into transition, the more the Grizzlies begin to fade.
QUOTABLE
"We won Game 1 with a decent cushion. In my experience, Game 2s are always the hardest, when you have all this other stuff going on. So we'd better be focused. Steph understands that. The team understands that. We had a good practice, but we know Memphis is going to come out swinging (Tuesday) and give us their best shot." – Warriors coach Steve Kerr
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Ognjen Kuzmic (sprained left ankle) is listed as out.
Grizzlies: G Mike Conley (facial surgery) on Tuesday was upgraded from doubtful to questionable.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors hold a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series, the first playoff battle between the teams. After losing 11 in a row to Memphis in the regular season, the Warriors have won four of the last five meetings.
