Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves: Game 3 preview, odds, injuries

The Minnesota Timberwolves return home for Game 3 after splitting the first two games of their first-round series in Memphis.

Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves: Game 3 preview, odds, injuries

The Minnesota Timberwolves simply couldn’t keep the same intensity against the Memphis Grizzlies in a 124-96 loss in Game 2 after pulling off an entertaining upset in Game 1.

However there’s still reason to believe this series can remain competitive going forward. If Karl-Anthony Towns stays out of foul trouble and D’Angelo Russell improves his play, the Timberwolves could win their first home playoff game since taking down the Houston Rockets four years ago today.

Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves: Game 3 preview, odds, injuries

Even though Memphis looked like the much better team in the blowout on Tuesday night, the Timberwolves should continue to feel confident after splitting on the road. The 130-117 win over the weekend was a huge building block for Minnesota as the team shows just how good they can be. Now there’s an opportunity to take a 2-1 series lead at home.

Russell has struggled so far with Memphis defending him aggressively and consistently denying the pass when he’s off-ball. If that trend continues then it will be difficult for Minnesota to compete. The 6’4 point guard is averaging a concerning 10.5 points on 5-for-2222 shooting from the field and 3-for-10 from 3-point range.

Chris Finch discussed Russell’s performance in the postgame press conference: “I thought he had some good looks that he didn’t let fly on the catch. They’re going to get into you. They’re going to make it uncomfortable, no matter if they deny you or get up and pressure you. We’ve got to find a way to get him some easy looks.”

Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3 odds

The Timberwolves are 1-point underdogs prior to tip-off at Target Center on Thursday. Memphis is 9-3 in their last 12 games against Minnesota, while the Timberwolves are just 4-9 against the spread in their last 13 games. The over/under is set at 237.5 points. Keep in mind the total has gone under in six of the Timberwolves last eight games but the under has hit in four of the Grizzlies last five games on the road.

What to watch for in Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3

In addition to trying to create scoring opportunities for Russell, Finch will also hope Towns can be more cognizant of his fouls. The Timberwolves need the All-Star center on the court as much as possible. There was a clear momentum shift in the second quarter when Towns committed his third foul while trying to draw contact on a contested 3-point shot.

“You’ve got to have your best players on the floor. The offensive foul on the three is just unnecessary at that point in time. It really put us in a tough spot,” Finch explained in the press conference following the loss. “We’ve got to be better. Obviously this team came out and wanted it more. We’ve got to turn the tables on Thursday.”

Anthony Edwards will also play a major role if the Timberwolves can win multiple playoff games for the first time since 2004. The sophomore guard was phenomenal in his playoff debut on Saturday, going for 36 points and six assists on 12/23 shooting from the field in 40 minutes. Edwards was seemingly unguardable for a stretch in the second half.

Lastly, the Timberwolves need a bigger boost from the bench. Minnesota probably doesn’t win Game 1 without production from Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels, who combined for 38 points on 13/20 from the field. Unfortunately they weren’t able to replicate that in Game 2, putting up only nine points in 43 minutes.

Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3 injury report

Taurean Prince played in Game 2 after being listed as questionable with a knee injury. The severity wasn’t revealed but he seems to be fine after scoring 12 points in 17 minutes. As for the Grizzlies, Ja Morant returned in Game 2 despite exiting midway through the third quarter with an apparent thigh injury. He went to the locker room before coming back with 8:38 left in the fourth quarter. Morant is expected to play in Game 3.