On Wednesday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be back home at Target Center to take on their opponent from the first round of the 2022 Playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Timberwolves will look to break out of a three-game losing streak while playing against their Western Conference rival. In their last 11 games, the Timberwolves have lost three in a row, won five in a row, and now lost three in a row yet again.
The Grizzlies currently sit at 4th in the West with a record of 12-8, seven spots ahead of Minnesota. The Timberwolves are currently out of the play-in picture at 11th place in the standings, and will need to pick up the pace if they’re to be back in the playoffs in 2023.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook have Memphis as -2.5 point favorites against the spread. The Timberwolves are +122 on the moneyline, while the Grizzlies come in at -144.
The over/under for the matchup is 231.0. Through 21 games, the Timberwolves are averaging 114.6 points per game, while the Grizzlies are averaging 115.7 through 20 games.
Timberwolves Injury Report
- Jordan McLaughlin – OUT (calf)
- Jaden McDaniels – Day-to-day (illness)
- Karl-Anthony Towns – OUT (calf)
- Taurean Prince – OUT (shoulder)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
This matchup will feature two teams that met in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs last April. Since that six-game series, the Grizzlies’ success has continued, but the Timberwolves have taken a surprising step back.
Memphis is coming off a Sunday night win at Madison Square Garden, and will be benefitting from having a few days of rest since their last contest. Meanwhile, Minnesota will be less than 48 hours removed from a 142-127 loss in Washington that was not nearly as close as the final score indicated.
Just as things had begun to look up for the Timberwolves, they have once again taken a sharp downturn and the team has lost their last three games. They will have a tough task ahead of them with a solid Grizzlies squad led by Ja Morant, who has been playing like an MVP candidate.
Morant has scored at least 23 points in eight of his last nine outings, and is averaging 28.5 points per game, the eighth-highest mark in the league. He has continued to elevate his game in his fourth pro season, and his career-high 7.6 assists per contest prove he is one of the most deadly playmaking guards in the league.
With Jordan McLaughlin out, the Timberwolves will be down one guard in the rotation to stop Morant. Minnesota will have to play one of their best defensive games of the season to have any hope of slowing down the deadly backcourt combo of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
Jaden McDaniels’ presence will play a key part in this one as well. If he remains out, things could begin to unravel quickly in the frontcourt, with Towns and Prince also sitting on the bench.
Overall, this is a game where it is difficult to see Minnesota emerging with a win. Despite playing on their home floor, Memphis will have a clear talent advantage, and the Timberwolves will have to play absolutely lights out to take down the Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies 120, Minnesota Timberwolves 106
What channel is the Minnesota Timberwolves game on?
Wednesday’s game will be broadcast locally on Bally Sports North as well as Bally Sports Southeast – Memphis.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies Live Stream
For a live stream of the game, check out FuboTV for a free trial!
Minnesota Timberwolves Next Game and Schedule
The Minnesota Timberwolves will return to Target Center on Saturday, December 3rd to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Next, they will welcome the Indiana Pacers to Minnesota before hitting the road for trips to Utah and Portland.
Dec. 3 vs Thunder
Dec. 7 vs Pacers
Dec. 9 at Jazz
Dec. 10 at Trail Blazers
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.