Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies: Odds, injuries, and what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to avenge their disappointing loss in Memphis from a few weeks ago as they host the Grizzlies for a Sunday matinee.

After a three-day layoff over Thanksgiving, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking for their third-straight win as they invite the 5-13 Grizzlies to Target Center.

Unexpectedly, the Grizzlies defeated the Wolves in Memphis back on Nov. 6. It was the first game that the Wolves were without Shabazz Napier, who has been out ever since with a strained hamstring, and also the first of four games that Jeff Teague missed due to illness.

The Wolves were unexpectedly shorthanded in that one, and given that they’ve gone 7-2 on the road so far this season, it’s fair to say that the loss was a fluke.

Last time around, the Wolves gave up 137 points in a regulation game, with 57 of them coming by way of the Grizzlies’ starting backcourt. Rookie Ja Morant dropped 26 and Dillon Brooks made five of his seven 3-point attempts en route to 31 as the Wolves simply couldn’t slow down Memphis’ pick-and-roll action.

On Sunday, however, Morant is out with back spasms, Kyle Andreson is out with a heel injury, and rookie big man Brandon Clarke is questionable with a hip injury. The Wolves will be missing Jake Layman and likely Napier once again, but otherwise are starting to finally get relatively healthy.

This is absolutely a game that the Wolves should win, but a Sunday matinee following Thanksgiving could absolutely lead to a sleepy arena and a sleepy home team, so Ryan Saunders’ crew better be careful.

Timberwolves odds against the Grizzlies

Favorite: Wolves (-8.5)
Over/under: 229.5
Moneyline: -600 Minnesota/+425 Memphis
Odds courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Sunday at 9:30 a.m. CT.

Tickets, TV and streaming info for Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies

Television: Fox Sports North
Radio: 830 WCCO
Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options
Tickets: StubHub offers ticketing options

What to watch for in Wolves vs. Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are a bottom-five team on both ends of the floor, and their only above-average skill as a team is rebounding. If Clarke is unavailable, however the Wolves shouldn’t have any problem winning in that facet of the game, either.

Towns and Andrew Wiggins will be tasked with getting the Wolves out to a big early lead by attacking the rim and finding open shooters on the perimeter. Both teams play fast, and the Wolves should be just fine matching the Grizzlies’ pace as long as they make their shots in the paint, which has been a common issue in many of the Wolves’ disappointing losses.

Injury Report

The Wolves will be without Layman (toe) and Napier is questionable with his hamstring injury. Josh Okogie (knee) and Treveon Graham (arm) are both probable.

The Grizzlies are without Morant (back) and Anderson (heel). Clarke is questionable with a hip injury.

We’ll be back after the game with player grades. Go Wolves!