SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The Memphis Grizzlies make their postseason debut against the defending champions on Saturday when they visit the SBC Center to face the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of their first-round series.

The Grizzlies are in the postseason for the first time in their six-year history after winning a franchise-record 50 games. They have become one of the most surprising teams in the league under Hubie Brown, who is a favorite for Coach of the Year honors.

Memphis will get its first taste of postseason play against a veteran San Antonio team that is coming off its second championship in five years. The Spurs enter the playoffs with a league-best 11-game winning streak and fell just short of clinching the best record in the conference.

The Grizzlies are the seventh-highest scoring team in the league and have five players that averaged in double figures this season. The Spurs have the best defense in the league, allowing just 84.3 points and holding opponents to 40 percent shooting.

MEANINGFUL MATCHUP: Duncan vs. Memphis frontcourt. Duncan is the best player on either team, but the Grizzlies of host of talented players on the frontline including Fs Pau Gasol and Stromile Swift and C Lorenzen Wright. Gasol, Swift and Wright will likely take turns guarding Duncan but could be more effective if they shut down Spurs C Rasho Nesterovic.

WHO'S HOT: Spurs: San Antonio has been red-hot because of Duncan, who is averaging 20.1 points and 12.4 rebounds in seven April games, posting six double-doubles during that span. Grizzlies: F James Posey has also been unstoppable in April, averaging 20.6 points per game - nearly seven more than his season average - and shooting 51 percent from the floor.

WHO'S NOT: Spurs: G Manu Ginobili has been one of the bench players in the league this season but struggled down the stretch, averaging just 9.4 points and shooting only 32 percent from the floor in the last five games of the regular season. Grizzlies: F Pau Gasol missed four games with a foot injury before returning for the final two contest of the regular season. He scored 26 points but made only 7-of-23 shots and is hobbling into the postseason.

STREAKS: San Antonio has the longest current winning streak in the NBA and has not lost since March 23 at Minnesota. The Spurs have won 13 straight home games since losing to the Grizzlies here on March 1.

SEASON SERIES & HISTORY: San Antonio has won 22 of its last 23 meetings with Memphis, including three of four this season. The only game the Grizzlies won during that span came after Spurs superstar Tim Duncan left with a sprained ankle.

INJURIES: Spurs: None. Grizzlies: F Pau Gasol (foot) played last two games of the regular season after missing four straight.