The Memphis Grizzlies do not find themselves in a good position heading into Game 5. After producing the second-best record in the NBA during the regular season, the playoffs have proven to be a different beast for the youthful squad. In the opening round, Memphis was able to secure the 4-2 series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, they now find themselves trailing 3-1 in their Conference Semifinals matchup with the Warriors who have proven to be much more playoff ready.

Teams that trail 3-1 in a series have only been able to overcome this deficit 11 of the 237 times it has occurred. This 4.6% success rate leaves little room for error- especially given the updated news surrounding Ja Morant's injury. It is a brutal blow to lose the team's superstar at such a crucial time. Memphis was 20-5 without Morant this season which leaves some room for optimism. Regardless, the Grizzlies must take it one game at a time and have their focus on Game 5.

3 Grizzlies predictions for Game 5 vs Warriors

Jaren Jackson Jr. scores 25+ points

With Ja Morant unable to play and Dillon Brooks doing his best to shoot the Grizzlies out of the series, there are limited options for who can step up. Jaren Jackson Jr. has an impressive blend of size and skill that causes problems for even a defender of Draymond Green's caliber. While his tendency to foul is always worrisome, Jackson must be sure to stay on the court in Game 5.

The flashes of greatness that the Michigan State product shows have been clear throughout his young career. This has continued to be true during this playoff series. Jackson exploded for 31 points in the opening matchup against the Warriors but has not reached this level since. His 21-point performance in Game 4 helped the team, but Jackson also was 0 for 7 on three-point attempts. The Grizzlies will need a little more production from their 7-footer and expect him to step up in front of the home crowd.

De'Anthony Melton scores 15+ points

The Grizzlies are in need of an X-factor to help the team and De'Anthony Melton is capable of being this guy. The Southern California product briefly fell out of the rotation during the playoff stretch but has proved too important to keep off the court.

Melton saw his minutes shrink to 7:30 or fewer in Games 3 and 4 against the Timberwolves. He then was held inactive for the final two games of the series. The guard was back to his usual minutes to start this Warriors series but then played just 9:12 of game minutes in Game 4.

Melton had a career year in his 4th season in the NBA averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals this season. The 6'2 guard possesses an intriguing pop in his game that will be necessary to the Grizzlies' success. Melton tallied 15 or more points in 19 of the 73 games he was active for this season. It is difficult to expect him to go from out of the rotation to a major contributor but the Grizzlies need exactly this. 

Grizzlies shoot 40%+ on three-point attempts

The Game 4 loss was a valuable chance to win that the Grizzlies let slip away. The Warriors shot uncharacteristically poor in the matchup and connected on just 24.3% of their three-point attempts. Golden State had 11 first-half turnovers and started the game shooting 0-15 from deep. It took a late gutsy effort from the Warriors to find a way to win as the Grizzlies led for 47 minutes and 14.3 seconds in the matchup.

This is a tough loss to bounce back from but the Grizzlies must do exactly this. Despite holding the lead for nearly the entirety of the matchup, the Grizzlies played far from a perfect game. Memphis was 40-96 (41.7%) from the field and 9-35 (25.7%) on three-point attempts. The shooting struggles plagued the Grizzlies roster and they were unable to find reliable offense. With the home crowd behind the team, Memphis should be expected to produce a more impressive shooting performance in Game 5. Desmond Bane in particular needs to take a lot more triples.

It has been disappointing to see the Grizzlies fall down 3-1 in the series. The youthful squad seemed ready to have some fun in this Warriors matchup but have been unable to capitalize thus far. Regardless of how this series ends there are plenty of positives to build off this season. This series felt as if was destined to go deep at its start and the Grizzlies still have an opportunity to bounce back. It starts one game at a time and they must lean on these three keys to produce a win.