The Chase Center lights will shine on a familiar hero and a brand-new era Friday night. Stephen Curry, now 38, begins another Warriors season with the same deep-range magic that helped build four championships. Across from him, the Grizzlies arrive with a 1-0 start and rookie Cameron Boozer at the center of Memphis’s fresh story. As of Wednesday’s results, Memphis has played one game, while Golden State is still waiting for its opening tip.

Curry is the thread connecting Golden State’s past to its future. He scored 26.6 points per game last season and made 39.3 percent of his three-point shots, a mark that shows defenses still cannot give him even a sliver of space. He races around screens, which are teammate blocks that free a shooter, and can turn one open look into a burst of points. Yet this opener asks more from him because Jimmy Butler is out while recovering from a knee injury, and Kristaps Porzingis is also unavailable. Brandin Podziemski is listed out as well, though his expected return is Friday.

That leaves Draymond Green as Curry’s loudest on-court partner. Green does not need to score often to shape a game. He directs defenders, battles for rebounds, and finds cutters with quick passes. His 5.5 assists last season showed how he keeps the ball moving. Golden State also needs rookie Yaxel Lendeborg to bring his all-around game right away. The 6-foot-9 forward can rebound, defend, and handle the ball, giving the Warriors a useful new piece beside their veteran leaders.

Memphis enters with the energy of a team learning what it can become. The Grizzlies beat Utah 123-103 on Wednesday, using a huge 55-rebound effort to control missed shots and create extra chances. Their 20-point win was an encouraging first step, but Friday brings a much sharper challenge: chasing Curry through Golden State’s fast-moving offense.

Boozer has already shown why Memphis is building around him. In his debut, the powerful 6-foot-8 forward grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out five assists despite a tough shooting night. His strength, footwork, and passing can help the Grizzlies attack from several spots on the floor. Beside him, 7-foot-3 center Zach Edey gives Memphis a giant target near the rim. Edey had nine rebounds and two blocks against Utah, while Jerami Grant led the experienced scoring help with 15 points.

The key battle is simple: can Golden State’s smart movement pull Memphis away from the basket, or will Memphis’s size own the paint? The Warriors were minus-0.6 points per game last season, meaning their games were often decided by very small margins. Without several key players, every rebound and loose ball matters even more.

Curry can make any opening night feel possible, especially at home. Still, Memphis has already found a rhythm, carries the stronger frontcourt, and has more healthy options. Prediction: the Grizzlies will win.

Stephen Curry Opens a New Chapter Against Memphis