Timberwolves Season Series Preview: Memphis Grizzlies

This is the first part in our series previewing each of the Timberwolves’ opponents and the upcoming season series.

Let’s take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies and how they’ll match-up with the Timberwolves during the 2016-17 season, in light of the season series from a year ago.

The Tale of the Tape: Minnesota split the season series with the Grizzlies 2-2 last year, with each team taking a ‘W’ both on the road and at home. The teams match-up very similarly, and despite being the seventh-seed in the Western Conference last year, the Grizzlies struggled to keep up with the young Wolves roster. Both teams breached the century mark in these high scoring affairs, which is uncharacteristic of a Memphis team that ranked just outside the top-10 in defense last year.

What’s new? We’ll start at the top. David Fizdale is entering his first year as the Grizzlies head coach. Fizdale comes to Memphis after spending the last eight years in the Heat coaching tree. I expect him to keep a similar inside first approach as they’ve had in the past, but execution and preparation should see an improvement.

The big signing for the Grizz this off-season was former Dallas Maverick Chandler Parsons. Acquired in free-agency, Parsons signed a four-year, max deal with Memphis. No doubt Parsons will help spread the floor for a team that struggled from deep last year — they ranked 29th in the league in three-point percentage.

He’s a tough guard at the ‘three’, and has the ability to create some match-up problems for Minnesota.

Also, Tony Wroten returned to Memphis after three years in Philadelphia.  He’s seen a decline in appearances in recent years after seeing a high volume of games early in his career. His production should increase this year with the Grizzlies, as he’s currently listed second on the depth chart according to RealGM.

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Memphis’s draft class included Wane Baldwin IV, a point guard out of Vanderbilt. He’s a good fit for a team that struggled with guard depth last season. I expect to see him share a fair amount of minutes in the preseason with Andrew Harrison, the 2nd year man out of Kentucky, who spent much of last season in the D-League. One of these guys will surely make the roster entering the year, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see either of these two play a fair amount of minutes when it counts.

Also, don’t forget the highest contract in NBA history. $153 million? That’s new. Congrats, Mike Conley.

Key losses: Lance Stephenson, Matt Barnes, Mario Chalmers

What’s the same? This team still lives and dies down low. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are one of the best big men combos in the league. Both have plenty of experience and should continue to create a challenge for the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Gorgui Dieng.

I’m excited to see how the Towns-Gasol match-up plays out. Both have the ability to extend the paint well and have a similar skill set. We didn’t get to see much of the big men going at it last year with Randolph and Gasol both hobbled with injuries.

Mike Conley returns as the tried-and-true point man, whom Memphis clearly believes in. His court vision is great and his defensive ability is better than a majority of the league. However, he’s not a great outside scorer.

No real problems here, I think Rubio and Dunn should be able to keep him from taking over any games.

Also returning for Memphis is Tony Allen. Allen has been a consistent performer at the ‘two’ for the Grizzlies over the past. He’s started, come off the bench, and most importantly provided a defensive boost on volume scorers.

It’s impossible for me to talk about the Grizzlies without bringing up Vince Carter. He’s become a much better shooter as he continues to lose his explosiveness. I wonder how he feels when he looks at Zach Lavine? Watching these two go at it looks a lot like watching a past and present simulation.

This may be Vinsanity’s last year, so appreciate it while you can.

My prediction? This series will provide a great benchmark to see how the Timberwolves have progressed. Upon examination, these teams are so similar as far as strengths and skill-sets.

I see no reason why Minnesota can’t take three of four from Memphis this year, with youth and athleticism providing a slight advantage in my eyes. Two of the Timberwolves’ first three games this season come against Memphis, so we’re going to get a really nice look at this team early. I expect some great games between these two this year.

Next: What Is Everyone Saying About Kevin Garnett?

Minnesota opens up the 2016-17 season against Memphis on October 26th at the FedEx Forum.