Western Conference rivals square off during the NBA’s abbreviated Monday night slate, as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum.
The teams have split the first two games of the regular-season series and will now run it back in Memphis, following the Wolves’ 131–114 road win over the Grizzlies on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (18–29, 12th West), hampered by injuries, are mired in a brutal six-game slide and have dropped 13 of their last 16 contests. The Timberwolves (31–19, 5th West) are riding a four-game winning streak but head into Monday’s contest potentially facing some costly injuries of their own: Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are both listed as questionable.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Out: Terrence Shannon Jr. (Foot)
- Questionable: Anthony Edwards (Back), Julius Randle (Thumb)
Memphis Grizzlies
- Out: Ja Morant (Elbow), Zach Edey (Ankle), Santi Aldama (Knee), Brandon Clarke (Calf), John Konchar (Neck), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Toe)
- Questionable: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Quad)
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Minnesota enters as a 7.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Memphis sits as a +230 underdog. The game’s total is set at 230.5 points.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Preview
Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
Undeterred from back-to-back exits in the Conference Finals, the Timberwolves have remained a perennial contender in the West. Minnesota has paired a top-ten offense with the league’s fourth-best defense, currently posting the seventh-ranked net rating in the NBA.
Of course, that all starts with superstar guard Anthony Edwards. Recently named an All-Star for the fourth-straight year, the self-proclaimed “Top Dog” is averaging 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while serving as a key defensive stopper on the other end. He’s coming off a 33-point performance that steered the Wolves past the Grizzlies on Saturday night.
But he’s listed as questionable for Monday’s contest, and so is his running mate, Julius Randle. If both players are sidelined, the Wolves will lean heavily on Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo to embrace the “next man up” mentality.
Still, the Wolves are just 6–4 without Ant this season, including a 116–110 home loss to the Grizzlies on Dec. 17. That issue exacerbates if they lose Randle, too.
Memphis Grizzlies Preview
The Grizzlies haven’t just battled injuries — they’ve been ravaged by them. Memphis will trudge into Monday’s contest without three of its top six scorers, including Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, and star point guard Ja Morant.
However, the team could receive a much-needed boost in the form of former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s listed as questionable after missing Saturday’s game with a quad injury. Jackson is averaging 19 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season, and he led the Grizzlies with 28 points and 12 boards in their December triumph in Minnesota.
Still, it’s going to take far more than just one player to turn things around. The understaffed Grizzlies are currently enmeshed in a brutal 3–13 stretch since Dec. 28 — sporting the league’s 24th-ranked net rating during that span.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Pick, Best Bet
Keep an eye on the injury report for this one, as Anthony Edwards’ and Julius Randle’s statuses could tip the scale in either team’s favor. If both are sidelined, the Grizzlies should keep things competitive and potentially even sneak out with an upset. But if they suit up, expect the Wolves to cover the 7.5-point spread in Memphis for the second time in three nights.
