Playoff-hopeful Warriors visit Grizzlies

Golden State is 1 1/2 games behind the Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Warriors have not advanced to the postseason since 1994. They were swept, 3-0, by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of their last playoff appearance.

The Warriors attempt to collect their fourth straight victory, as they play the middle contest of a three-game road trip. Jason Richardson finished with 27 points and nine rebounds to lead Golden State past the Houston Rockets, 110-99, on Wednesday at the Toyota Center.

Baron Davis posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 assists, while Stephen Jackson netted 17 in the win for the Warriors, who have won three in a row and seven of their last 10 games overall.

Golden State is a dismal 9-28 on the road this season. The Warriors will wrap up their swing on Saturday against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center.

Memphis enters tonight’s contest on a three-game losing streak. On Tuesday, Amare Stoudemire poured in 27 points and Leandro Barbosa netted 24 as the Phoenix Suns escaped with a 116-111 victory over the Grizzlies at FedExForum.

Pau Gasol led the Grizzlies with 23 points, 11 boards and four assists, while Hakim Warrick ended with 22 points and 16 rebounds for Memphis, which has dropped seven of its last nine games overall. Chucky Atkins chipped in 19 points and seven assists and rookie Rudy Gay scored 14 in defeat.

The Grizzlies are 12-25 at home this season. They will visit Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Saturday at Amway Arena.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the campaign between the squads. The Warriors won two of the three contests.

Golden State has lost five straight and seven of its last eight at the Grizzlies.