5 teams with best chance to beat the Warriors

3. Memphis Grizzlies

This could very well be the dark horse in the Western Conference that no one sees coming. However, the Memphis Grizzlies are going to be an absolute problem next season if everything works out ideally for them (particularly in regards to health). What’s more is that they can potentially cause the Warriors as currently constructed more trouble than any team in the NBA in regards to matchups and what they do well.

For one, the Grizzlies keeping Mike Conley and adding Chandler Parsons is huge for them. Conley is the heart of this team in numerous facets of the game and can anchor them both offensively and defensively when called upon. Moreover, a healthy Parsons gives Memphis the perimeter threat on both ends of the floor (with a little help defensively, of course) that they’ve been looking for over the years. Throw in the fact that Marc Gasol is coming back healthy and this is enormous for the Grizzlies.

And it’s Gasol and the size of the Grizzlies that’s really huge in the matchup against the Warriors. Even with the reported signing of Zaza Pachulia, you have to wonder if Golden State is going to be able to play that grit-and-grind style of basketball for 48 minutes per night in a series against the big, tough bodies that Memphis has. For that reason, they’re in the mix as a team that could knock off the Warriors after their big offseason to this point.

Next: No. 2 Spurs