Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: The Grizzlies are in a better shape

The NBA Regular Season early on has showcased that you can’t underestimate an opponent. The Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz have made unprecedented gains and have raised the bar while a squad of Golden State Warriors’ caliber is still struggling. In this game, one of the contenders Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Grizzlies enter the contest after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124:122 in a heated Overtime tussle. Desmond Bane and Ja Morant both registered 32 points each in what was another terrific effort. The Grizzlies nabbed 18 offensive rebounds and Steven Adams’ total 19 rebounds also played a big role in the end as the Grizzlies shot over 50% from the field and around 43% from the three-point line. This game is on par with what we expect from this amazing Grizzlies set-up. The Grizzlies have now lodged an impressive eight wins in 12 games.

Bane and Morant have both accumulated nights like these repeatedly from the highest-yielding guard combo in the league by a fair distance. This alone makes up for around half of the Grizzlies’ scoring during most nights. Steven Adams continues to be a dominating rebounder whereas the team is certainly missing the defensive spark, rebounding output, and scoring of Big Forward Jaren Jackson who is going to return sooner than later. Tyus Jones continues racking up big production off the bench while Brandon Clarke is the slashing option.

The Timberwolves continued to struggle and lost 117:129 against the Phoenix Suns despite 25 points and 11 rebounds effort by Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves have lost five out of the last six games and overall, they have two more losses than wins, sitting at five wins and seven losses. This has been an underwhelming start for the team that was expected to do big things after pairing up big Rudy Gobert alongside another big Karl Anthony-Towns, a fit that is yet to work out.

One of D’Angelo Russell or Anthony Edwards have continued to struggle shooting-wise lately and the Timberwolves offense has been way off. The bench hasn’t done well and in the last game, Jaylen Nowell committed seven turnovers and he has had struggles for most parts. Kyle Anderson has added depth to the Forward rotation whereas Jaden McDaniels has had some impressive nights to begin the season but he can be unreliable too. Gobert has been big on the boards but strangely, despite having two strong rebounding bigs, the Wolves have been giving up a ton of second-chance points.

• Grizzlies: OUT: Jaren Jackson, Ziairie Williams, Danny Green;
• Timberwolves: OUT: Naz Reid.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Ja Morant(27+ Points), Desmond Bane(26+ Points), Karl Anthony-Towns(22+ Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Rudy Gobert(11-16 Rebounds), Steven Adams(12-16 Rebounds);
• Expected leading Playmakers: Ja Morant(7-10 Assists), D’Angelo Russell(6-9 Assists).

The Grizzlies have looked in impeccable touch on the offensive end and the oppositions have had no answer for the scoring duo of Morant and Bane, which has made it difficult for perimeter defenses. This makes up for the loss of Jackson and the inconsistencies display by their wing Dillion Brooks on the offensive end. Defense for the Grizzlies have gotten it done in late game situations and even if it is not clinical, they have what it takes.

For the Timberwolves, the both ends of the floor has had a lot of holes. Their defense has been porous especially against guards and they struggle to sustain a winning effort for most of the game. They are getting both outhustled and outwitted for many parts. I believe the Grizzlies will further expose these holes and emerge victorious here. I believe the total points range here will be 235-245.