Minnesota Timberwolves at Grizzlies: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to win their third-straight game for just the second time this season as they head to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won four of their last six games after dropping 11 in a row, and they have a real opportunity to make it five out of seven as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

The Wolves may still be without Karl-Anthony Towns, who is listed as questionable once again with a knee sprain, and they’ll be taking on a largely healthy Grizz squad.

The Grizzlies have already beaten the Wolves twice this year, and Minnesota had Towns at their disposal both times. However, KAT shot a combined 4-for-21 between the two meetings and was far from his usual unstoppable self.

On the other side of things, the Wolves have been able to slow down the Grizzlies young, dynamic backcourt. They gave up 31 points to Dillon Brooks and 26 points to rookie Ja Morant in the first matchup back at the end of October, and 26 to Brooks, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, last time around in early December.

This is the final of just three meetings between the two teams this year, so the Wolves have already lost the season series to a team that they’re in a virtual tie with in the standings.

Timberwolves odds against the Grizzlies

• Favorite: Grizzlies (-3.5)
• Over/under: 228.5
• Moneyline: -165 Memphis/+145 Timberwolves
• Odds courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. CT.

Tickets, TV and streaming info for Timberwolves at 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 at Grizzlies

Another game, another question of whether or not the Wolves can a) continue their recent trend of holding high-scoring opponent guards in check, and b) generate enough offensively to overcome Towns’ extended absence, assuming he does not play.

Minnesota has had the league’s best defensive rating over the last 10 games and has done an outstanding job playing passing lanes and staying active in contesting jump shots. Of course, much of that has to do with the caliber of offenses the Wolves have faced lately, but Memphis offers an opportunity to turn over some young guards that can be sloppy with the ball at times.

The other challenge for the Wolves will be checking the likes of rookie Brandon Clarke on the glass, as the Wolves haven’t had many consistent rebounders this side of Gorgui Dieng of late. They’ll need more strong performances from Robert Covington and Kelan Martin in the rebounding category if they want to continue their modest winning streak.

Injury Report

The Wolves’ injury report is finally shrinking, although it still includes Jake Layman, who remains out with a toe injury, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who is questionable with a knee sprain.

The Grizzlies do not currently have anyone listed on their injury report. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?