The Memphis Grizzlies, second in the Western Conference, have hit a speed bump, losing their last four games after winning 11 straight. The most recent loss came against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, 122-120, allowing a last-second layup.
It has been an underwhelming season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they have only lost once in their last four games, beating the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, 111-102, with Anthony Edwards having another impressive stat line.
Let’s check the latest NBA news, stats, injury report and NBA lines for Grizzlies vs Timberwolves. We’ve got plenty of NBA picks for you to consider.
Grizzlies Losing Streak
On paper, the Grizzlies’ four straight losses don’t look great. But they have been part of a five-game road trip. Each game has been close, two points or less, except for one blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings, which Ja Morant and Steven Adams did not play. Adams will be out at least a month with a knee injury, but Morant returned in the next game.
The first loss was against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Grizzlies allowing 41 points in the final quarter. A steal and a missed free throw sealed the one-point loss. Against the Phoenix Suns, the Grizzlies battled back from being down 62-37 at halftime to lose by just two.
It seemed like facing the Warriors was coming at the perfect time to give the Grizzlies the emotional spark that the team needed. However, the team with the best defensive rating could not hold, giving up over 120 points for the third time in the last four games. Morant had an excellent game, with 29 points and 12 assists.
Timberwolves Let Edwards Cook
It is becoming more apparent that Anthony Edwards should be the Timberwolves’ cornerstone player. At 21, he has already started to put up staggering numbers, constantly improving. He has yet to miss a game this season, playing 36 minutes per game, averaging 24.5 points, six rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
Edwards has three straight games scoring over 30 points, solidifying himself as the offensive focal point with Karl-Anthony Towns still out. At the level he is playing, when Towns comes back, there might be a power struggle over the offense’s leader.
Leaning more on Edwards has possibly changed the Timberwolves’ season. In January, his usage percentage went up to 33%, while the team had its best month, 9-4.
The fit with Rudy Gobert has looked a little better recently. He has averaged 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in the two games since returning from a minor injury. It is a small sample size, but compared to his rough start with the Timberwolves, any improvement will be well received.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game Injuries
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Head-to-Head
The Grizzlies and Timberwolves have already played twice, with each team winning once at home. In the first game, the Grizzlies won by 11, behind 73 points between Morant, Desmond Bane, and Dillon Brooks. The Timberwolves won the second game on Nov. 30 by eight, with Edwards leading all scorers with 29.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game Information
- Game: Grizzlies (31-17) vs Timberwolves (25-25)
- Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
- Day/Time: Friday, Jan. 27th, 7:30 p.m. EST
- Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Betting Lines
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Picks & Prediction
Based on the team’s body of work, you would expect the Grizzlies to have an advantage. However, the Timberwolves have been the hotter team, not counting a surprise loss to the Houston Rockets.
The Grizzlies may come out with an energy we have not seen from them in a while, not wanting to extend their losing streak to five, officially becoming a slump.
The Memphis Grizzlies are listed at -150 in our Las Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Grizzlies, you have a chance to win $67. The Minnesota Timberwolves is +130, offering a chance to win $130 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Memphis Grizzlies a 60.00% chance to win, with the Minnesota Timberwolves at 43.48%.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Trends
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Edge
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Results
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game Summary
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Previous Game (Nov. 30, 2022)
The Memphis Grizzlies look to extend their two-game winning streak when they take on the host Minnesota Timberwolves in a matchup of playoff hopefuls on Wednesday night. Memphis is coming off a road win over the New York Knicks on Sunday and is in a first-place tie with the New Orleans Pelicans in the Southwest Division, two games ahead of the third-place Dallas Mavericks.
Minnesota has dropped three straight and is in fourth place in the Northwest Division, a game behind the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. Both teams need this win, so to help with your bet online on this one, read our in-depth preview of the contest.
