The Warriors now know which team they'll face when the Western Conference semifinals begin Sunday at Oracle Arena.
They're getting the rugged, brawny Memphis Grizzlies, who advanced Wednesday night, with a 99-93 victory over the Blazers in Game 5 in Memphis.
The Grizzlies finished off the Trail Blazers despite the absence of point guard Mike Conley, who has facial surgery Monday morning, 36 hours after sustaining multiple fractures in Game 3 at Portland.
Conley's status for the conference semifinals is expected to be determined later this week.
No matter. The Warriors know what to expect. Here comes Z-Bo, occasionally referred to as Zach Randolph. He's bringing Marc Gasol. And neither Randolph nor Gasol, both big men, is as fearsome as Memphis guard Tony Allen.
The Warriors faced the Grizzlies three times this season, winning twice.
First meeting: Grizzlies 105, Warriors 98. Andrew Bogut missed that Dec. 16 game at Memphis with a knee injury.
Second meeting: Warriors 107, Grizzlies 84. Stephen Curry torched the Grizzlies for 38 points in that March 27 game at Memphis. The Warriors forced 19 turnovers, off which they scored a whopping 32 points.
Third meeting: Warriors 111, Grizzlies 107. Klay Thompson scored 26 of his 42 points in the second quarter to spoil Memphis' only trip to the Bay Area this season. Conley and Allen both missed the game with injuries.
The NBA released the schedule for the series shortly after the Grizzlies beat the Blazers. All times are Pacific Standard Time:
Game 1 Sunday, May 3: Grizzlies at Warriors, 12:30 p.m.
Game 2 Tuesday, May 5: Grizzlies at Warriors 7:30 p.m.
Game 3 Saturday, May 9: Warriors at Grizzlies, 5 p.m.
Game 4 Monday, May 11: Warriors at Grizzlies, 6:30 p.m.
Game 5 Wednesday, May 13: Grizzlies at Warriors Time TBD *If Necessary*
Game 6 Friday, May 15: Warriors at Grizzlies Time TBD *If Necessary*
Game 7 Sunday, May 17: Grizzlies at Warriors Time TBD *If Necessary*
