The Memphis Grizzlies head north to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western Conference matchup featuring contrasting momentum. Minnesota is surging with elite defense and balanced scoring, while Memphis looks to build on a recent blowout win but faces uncertainty with key injuries.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Tip-Off Time: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broadcast: FDSN (Timberwolves), FDSSE (Grizzlies), NBA TV
Minnesota holds 6th in the West at 17-9 (strong home record implied), while Memphis sits 9th-10th at 12-14 (struggling on road). The Timberwolves opened as solid home favorites, with the line holding steady amid injury questions.
Injury Report (as of December 16, 2025 – Evening Updates)
Memphis Grizzlies:
Out: Zach Edey (Left Ankle; Injury)
Questionable: Ja Morant (Left Ankle Sprain), Brandon Clarke (Right Knee; Surgery Recovery)
Out: Various G League/two-way players (minor)
Morant’s status is pivotal — if out, it severely hampers Memphis’ explosive offense and playmaking.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Out: Mike Conley (Injury/Illness – specifics vary, but confirmed out)
Questionable: Anthony Edwards (Right Foot; Soreness)
Out: Minor G League assignments
Edwards’ potential absence would be massive for Minnesota’s scoring, though their depth has carried them recently. Donte DiVincenzo or others would step up in backcourt.
Recent Team Forms
Minnesota is one of the hottest teams in the league, while Memphis shows signs of life but remains inconsistent.
Memphis Grizzlies (improving but 4-6 in last 10 estimated):
Recent results highlight volatility:
Dec 15: Win 121-103 at LA Clippers (dominant, Jaren Jackson Jr. 31 pts, Cam Spencer 27 pts off bench)
Prior: Mixed results with losses to stronger teams, but the blowout win snapped a mini-slump and boosted confidence.
Offense clicked vs. Clippers (efficient shooting), but road defense has been porous.
Minnesota Timberwolves (7-1 in last 8 games):
Riding a strong stretch with composure and defense:
Dec 14: Win 117-103 vs. Sacramento Kings (Julius Randle 24 pts/10 reb)
Dec 12: Win 127-120 at Golden State Warriors (balanced attack, overcame Curry’s 39)
Prior: Consistent wins, allowing low points and controlling pace.
Defense elite (top-5 rated), rebounding strong with Gobert/Randle.
Key Player Matchups
Ja Morant (MEM, if plays) vs. Minnesota Backcourt (Edwards/DiVincenzo): Morant’s explosiveness vs. Edwards’ two-way dominance — a potential superstar duel if both suit up. Without Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr. or others struggle against Wolves’ length.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) vs. Rudy Gobert/Julius Randle (MIN): Interior battle royale. JJJ’s scoring/block ability vs. Gobert’s rim protection and Randle’s physicality. Jackson feasted recently (31 vs. LAC).
Desmond Bane (MEM) vs. Wing Defenders (MIN): Bane’s shooting vs. Minnesota’s perimeter D — key for Grizzlies spacing.
Anthony Edwards (MIN, if plays) vs. Grizzlies Guards: Ant’s scoring burst could exploit Memphis’ backcourt if depleted.
Series History
All-time regular season: Minnesota leads 58-54 (including Vancouver era).
Recent: Timberwolves have dominated lately, winning 7 of the last 10 regular season meetings. Memphis took the 2022 playoff series 4-2, but Minnesota has flipped the script in recent years with better depth. No meeting yet this season.
Betting Trends
Key Trends:
Timberwolves: Strong ATS at home (covering in most recent wins); 7-1 SU in last 8. Overs trending lightly with higher-scoring recent games.
Grizzlies: Improved ATS after big win, but poor as road underdogs (sub-.500). Road games often lower-scoring.
Head-to-head: Recent games competitive but leaning under totals; Wolves cover when favored at home.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies 230.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
