The Golden State Warriors currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Warriors were able to pick up a gritty win in Game 4 against the Ja Morant-less Grizzlies. Memphis received some bad news about their superstar's status as he looks likely to miss the remainder of the playoffs.

This is a massive blow to the Grizzlies. However, they were 20-5 during the regular season without Ja Morant. Regardless of his status, the series will continue on.

It feels as if the Warriors have the Grizzlies on the ropes after the 101-98 victory in the previous matchup. Golden State held a lead for just 45.7 seconds in Game 4 but still managed to secure the win. That is a devastating blow to the Grizzlies as they are now forced to attempt to climb out of the 3-1 hole.

3 Warriors predictions for Game 5 vs the Grizzlies

Grizzlies will steal Game 5

If there is one thing that should be known about this Memphis Grizzlies team, they do not roll over for anyone. There have only ever been 13 teams to come back from a 3-1 deficit in an NBA playoff series. So, they are certainly not in a great spot. Even still, the Grizzlies have been within three or fewer points in two of the three losses in the series.

The series has been closer than the record indicates. The youthful Grizzlies squad is certain not going to back down. Expect an improved shooting effort in Game 5 for both teams and for the continued defensive effort from Memphis. The Warriors certainly should feel great about their overall chances in the series, but a 4-1 series victory feels too short for the quality of this Grizzlies team. Expect them to steal Game 5 and extend their season for at least one game.

Warriors shoot 40% on Three Point Attempts

It has been an up and down shooting performance for the Warriors thus far in the series. Golden State was fifth in the NBA in team three-point percentage this season at 36.5%. They also were third in the NBA in three-point attempts with 39.1 shots from beyond the arc per game.

Golden State has revolutionized the usage of the three-point shot in the recent era. This is a key part of their offense. In many ways, the Grizzlies have been let off the hook due to the Warriors shooting. While Golden State did shoot an impressive 17-32 (53.1%) on 3PA in Game 3, they have struggled overall in the series.

The Warriors shot just 7-38 (18.4%) in Game 2 and were 9-37 (24.3%) in the Game 4 victory. The Warriors started the game on a historically bad pace and were 0-15 from beyond the arc to start the game and 2-for-20 on three-pointers in the first half. Golden State is too good of a team to count on this to happen again. Expect the Warriors to get back to the prolific three-point team they are capable of being. Look for them to connect on 40% of these long-range shots in Game 5.

Klay Thompson hits 3 three-pointers

The Warriors have greatly struggled as a team on three-point shots, but Klay Thompson has shot especially poorly. In total, he has gone 9-for-35 (25.7%) on long-range attempts in the series against the Grizzlies. He was 0-for-7 in the previous matchup as well as 3-for-10 in Game 1 and 2-for-12 in Game 2.

Klay Thompson is a certified deadeye from beyond the arc, so he is due to snap out of this soon. He is a career 41.7% three-point shooter during the regular season and 41.1% career in the playoffs. The gravity of Thompson has still been important in the Warriors' offense, but the time will come when he needs to hit shots.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr is never one to shy away from the players he trusts. Expect the Warriors to run sets to snap him out of this cold spell. The emergence of Jordan Poole has taken some pressure off of Thompson, but this does not change the fact he is one of the greatest shooters of all-time.

The injury to Ja Morant and the 3-1 deficit is somewhat of a disappointment in the series overall. This matchup was anticipated to be a deep series thriller. However, the Grizzlies find themselves on the brink of elimination. The brief period where the Warriors were out of contention is clearly over. Golden State has made a statement to the entire NBA in these playoffs that they remain a title threat with a fully healthy roster. This second-round performance is further evidence of this. There is still an incredibly bright future for this Grizzlies team, but they are missing the ingredients of a true title team.