NBA Game Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (30-19) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (18-28)

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The Minnesota Timberwolves (30-19) face the Memphis Grizzlies (18-28) in a Western Conference interdivision matchup. The Timberwolves, fifth in the West, are on a three-game win streak and looking to extend it against a struggling Grizzlies team that’s lost five straight and sits 12th in the conference. Memphis is dealing with significant injuries, including star Ja Morant, which has hampered their season. This is their second meeting of the 2025-26 season, with Minnesota winning 119-97 on Nov. 26. Expect the Timberwolves’ defense to stifle Memphis’ depleted offense, though the Grizzlies’ home crowd could provide a boost in a potential low-scoring affair.

Venue: FedExForum, Memphis,

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m.

TV/Streaming: FDSN, FDSSE, WMC-TV, NBA League

Recent Team Forms

The Timberwolves are surging with three straight wins, averaging 116.3 points in that stretch. The Grizzlies are in a tailspin, losing five in a row and averaging just 102.8 points.

Timberwolves (6-4 in last 10): Minnesota averages 113.4 points scored and 107.2 allowed recently. They’ve won three straight, showcasing balanced scoring and elite defense. Key wins include 123-111 over Oklahoma City (Jan. 29) with 22 threes and 118-105 at Dallas (Jan. 28). Losses like 85-111 to Golden State (Jan. 25) highlight occasional offensive droughts, but rebounding (45.0 per game in last 10) has been strong

Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 29vs OKCW123-111web:35web:36
Jan 28@ DALW118-105web:35web:37
Jan 26vs GSWW108-83web:35web:37
Jan 25vs GSWL85-111web:35web:37web:38
Jan 23@ DALL105-118web:35web:37

Grizzlies (3-7 in last 10): Memphis averages 106.2 points scored and 118.4 allowed, with poor shooting (44.2 FG%). They’ve lost five straight, including 114-106 at New Orleans (Jan. 30) and 97-112 vs. Charlotte (Jan. 28). A win over Denver (Jan. 6) shows potential, but injuries have led to defensive collapses (opponents 50% FG in losses)

Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 30@ NOPL106-114web:41web:42web:43
Jan 28vs CHAL97-112web:40web:42
Jan 26@ ATLL116-132web:40web:42
Jan 25vs DENL100-105web:42web:44
Jan 23vs NOPL121-133web:40web:42web:44

Injury Report

Injuries heavily favor Minnesota, with Memphis missing multiple starters.

Timberwolves:

Terrence Shannon Jr. (G, foot): Out, expected back Feb 2.

Mike Conley (PG, back): Available, not listed

Grizzlies:

Ja Morant (PG, elbow sprain): Out, expected to miss two weeks

Brandon Clarke (PF, calf strain): Out

Zach Edey (C, ankle stress reaction): Out

Scotty Pippen Jr. (G, toe): GTD

Santi Aldama (F, knee injury management): Out

Ty Jerome (G, calf strain): Doubtful

Projected starters: Anthony Edwards (MIN) vs. whoever for MEM (likely Cam Spencer at PG with Morant out).

Key Player Matchups

This game pits Minnesota’s defensive anchors against Memphis’ remaining offensive threats, with injuries shifting dynamics.

Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves SG) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies PF): Edwards (29.3 PPG, 5.2 APG) is Minnesota’s scoring machine, on a tear with 26+ points in three straight; Jackson (22.5 PPG, 2.8 BPG) must anchor Memphis’ defense without key support.

Julius Randle (Timberwolves PF) vs. Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies SF): Randle (22.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG) provides physicality; Wells (rookie standout) needs to step up scoring with absences.

Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves C) vs. Jock Landale (Grizzlies C): Gobert (12.5 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG) dominates the paint; Landale fills in for Edey, facing a tough matchup.

Matchup to Watch: Timberwolves’ 3-point shooting (top-10 at 38.5%) vs. Grizzlies’ perimeter defense (opponents 37% from three without Morant).

Series History

The Grizzlies hold a slight all-time edge: 55-58 against the Timberwolves in regular-season games. In playoffs, Memphis leads 1-0 series (2022 first round). Recently, Minnesota is 6-4 in the last 10, including a 119-97 win on Nov. 26 where they held Memphis to 40% shooting. At FedExForum, Grizzlies are 1-4 in the last five vs. Minnesota. Games average 224.5 points in the last 10, with the under hitting in six.

Betting Trends

Trends: Timberwolves 22-27 ATS overall, 10-14 ATS on road; Grizzlies 20-26 ATS, 9-14 ATS at home. Minnesota 13-11 SU as favorites; Memphis 8-20 SU as underdogs. Over has hit in 25 of Grizzlies’ 46 games; Under in 4 of Timberwolves’ last 5 road games. Timberwolves 3-2 ATS in last 5 vs. Grizzlies; series over in 6 of last 10

Game Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves            – 7.5

Memphis Grizzlies                          229.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026