3 burning questions before Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Playoffs Game 3

SAN FRANCISCO — As Game 3 approaches Saturday (7:30 p.m., ABC), the Memphis Grizzlies face new challenges against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals.

The Commercial Appeal sports staff answers three burning questions with the series tied at 1-1 heading back to Chase Center.

What should the Grizzlies expect from the Warriors in Game 3?

Evan Barnes, sports reporter: Expect Chase Center to be loud and raucous to try and match the energy of FedExForum. As for on the court, expect a lot more of Jordan Poole with Gary Payton II out (elbow fracture).

If Poole starts Game 3, it means the Warriors are leaning more on their smaller lineup and Poole, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry could catch fire back at home. Coach Steve Kerr praised the Grizzlies finding ways to counter it through two games but home cooking could change that, especially for Thompson who has struggled shooting (28.9% from the field)

The Warriors will keep crashing the boards even with Steven Adams back for the Grizzlies. Draymond Green's right eye might be swollen but he'll be fired up to disrupt the Grizzlies on both ends and be an emotional force. Ja Morant will still shoot all the threes he wants but the Warriors will make things tougher on him, including possible double-teams.

Because the Warriors thrive on scoring flurries, especially if Curry is feeling it, Memphis must stay poised and not waste possessions.

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What are the impacts of Steven Adams' return/Dillon Brooks' absence?

Damichael Cole, Grizzlies beat reporter: Both Steven Adams’ return and Dillon Brooks’ absence will be noticed at times, but the overall impact will be marginal. Adams’ return will boost the offensive rebounding more than any Memphis player so far in this series, but his limited minutes won’t cause Golden State to make a big change.

Adams played 26.3 minutes in the regular season, and Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins likes to close games with the more mobile Brandon Clarke. Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole will try to minimize Adams’ impact by attacking him in pick-and-roll.

The Grizzlies will miss Brooks’ energy and defensive physicality, but Ziaire Williams and De’Anthony Melton have been more than capable wing defenders. Williams started Game 2 in the second half and was one of the primary defenders against Curry in the regular season.

Melton is the Grizzlies' best option at getting hands on Golden State's quick passing offense. He finished in the NBA's top 10 in deflections and has six regular season games of two or more steals against the Warriors.

What versions of Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane will show up?

Mark Giannotto, columnist: Memphis will probably need more than just another special Ja Morant performance to take down Golden State in this series, and Bane and Jackson are the prime candidates to provide him with some help. Morant can’t do this alone again like he did for much of Game 2.

It’s a good sign that Bane took part in all of the Grizzlies’ practices the past few days. His sore back was not listed on the Game 3 injury report, and perhaps that’s a signal Bane will be healthy enough to resemble the player who torched Minnesota in the first round. His offensive punch will be so important if Golden State shoots the ball better, as expected, now that the series has shifted to San Francisco.

Jackson could also use a bounce back performance. He was fantastic in Game 1 and then backed it up with a strong first quarter in Game 2. But he disappeared the rest of the night, fouling out before Morant’s late barrage saved the Grizzlies. Jackson’s size must be a huge advantage for Memphis if Golden State goes small, like it tends to do. He’s a great equalizer in this series on both ends of the floor. I’d expect the Grizzlies, with Adams back, to lean on that as much as they can.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 3 burning questions before Grizzlies vs. Warriors NBA Playoffs Game 3