As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to face off against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, both teams enter the matchup with very different momentum-and injury situations that could play a big role in how this one unfolds at Target Center.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET, and while the Timberwolves boast a strong 17-9 record, the Grizzlies are still clawing their way back to .500 at 12-14. But don’t let the records fool you-this game has the makings of a fascinating clash, especially given the injury reports and recent player performances.
Injury Report: Depth Will Be Tested
Let’s start with the health updates, because they’re going to matter.
Minnesota is dealing with two key names on the injury list. Mike Conley is out with an Achilles issue, and Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable due to a foot injury.
Edwards' status is especially significant-he’s the Timberwolves’ offensive engine and a tone-setter on both ends. If he can’t go, that’s a major shift in Minnesota’s attack.
Memphis, meanwhile, is navigating a much longer list. Six players are currently on the shelf, including Ty Jerome (calf), John Konchar (thumb), Javon Small (toe), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), and Zach Edey (ankle).
Brandon Clarke is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue. That’s a lot of rotational depth missing for a team already trying to find its rhythm.
Timberwolves: Balanced and Dangerous
Minnesota has been one of the NBA’s most balanced teams over the last stretch, and it shows in the numbers. They’re outscoring opponents by 5.3 points per game, thanks to a potent offense (119.8 PPG, sixth in the league) and a defense that holds its own (114.5 PPG allowed, ninth overall).
Julius Randle has been a force lately, averaging 25.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over his last 20 games. He’s doing it all-scoring, rebounding, facilitating, even grabbing 1.5 steals per game. This is the kind of all-around production that gives Minnesota a steady foundation, especially with Conley out and Edwards potentially limited.
Donte DiVincenzo has quietly been one of the league’s most effective three-point threats, hitting 3.5 triples per game, good for 11th in the NBA. He’s also contributing across the board-19.5 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per night. That’s elite two-way production.
Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels are also stepping up, each averaging 19 points per game during this stretch. And of course, Rudy Gobert continues to anchor the paint, pulling down 13 rebounds a game and adding a block and a steal per contest.
This is a team that can beat you in a lot of ways-inside, outside, in transition, or in the halfcourt. Even without Edwards, they’ve got options.
Grizzlies: Battling Through Adversity
For Memphis, the story is more about resilience than dominance. They’re being outscored by 1.1 points per game, and their offense hasn’t quite clicked yet-114.3 points per game, which ranks 22nd in the league. Defensively, they’re giving up 115.4 per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack.
But there are bright spots.
Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to be the team’s most consistent scoring option, averaging 21.5 points over his last 20 games, along with 3 blocks per night. He’s also hitting 2 threes per game, stretching the floor while protecting the rim-a rare combo.
Cam Spencer has been a revelation from deep, knocking down 6.5 threes per game over his last 20. That’s not a typo-he’s lighting it up. He’s also averaging 23.5 points and 5 assists, providing some much-needed offensive punch.
Ja Morant is finding his rhythm again, putting up 16.5 points and 7 assists per game. While those numbers aren’t quite at his usual All-Star level, he’s still a dangerous playmaker who can shift momentum in a heartbeat.
Rookies Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward are giving Memphis quality minutes, combining for over 30 points and 12 rebounds per game. It’s not always pretty, but they’re contributing in meaningful ways.
Rebounding has been a strength-Memphis pulls down 46.1 boards per game, third-best in the NBA. That edge on the glass (+2.1 differential) could be a key factor against a Minnesota team that ranks just 18th in rebounding.
Three-Point Battle: A Swing Factor
This game could come down to who wins the battle from beyond the arc.
Minnesota is hitting 14.1 threes per game, eighth in the league, and they’re holding opponents to just 12 per game. Meanwhile, Memphis is making 13.1 per game but allowing 14.5. That’s a -1.4 margin that’s hard to overcome, especially when you’re already down bodies.
DiVincenzo and Spencer are both capable of heating up quickly, so whichever team gets better looks and closes out more effectively on shooters could tilt the game in their favor.
What to Watch For
- If Edwards plays, can Memphis contain him without overextending their already thin rotation?
- Can Cam Spencer stay hot from three and keep the Grizzlies in it offensively?
- Will Gobert’s presence inside neutralize Memphis’ rebounding advantage?
- Can Ja Morant push the pace and create easy buckets in transition?
This is a matchup of contrasting styles-Minnesota’s methodical, balanced attack versus Memphis’ gritty, patchwork effort. If the Grizzlies can control the tempo and hit their threes, they’ve got a shot. But if the Timberwolves get rolling early and dominate the halfcourt game, it could be a long night for Memphis.
Either way, this one’s worth tuning in for.