NBA Game Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (31-19) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (18-29)

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The Minnesota Timberwolves head to Memphis for a rematch against the Grizzlies just two days after dominating them 131-114 on January 31. The Wolves, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, look to extend their strong recent play against a struggling Grizzlies squad hampered by injuries and riding a six-game losing streak. This matchup pits Minnesota’s balanced attack against Memphis’ depleted roster, with the Wolves favored to handle business on the road.

Venue Location

FedExForum
191 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103 The arena, home to the Grizzlies since 2004, seats approximately 18,119 fans and is known for its energetic atmosphere, though Memphis has struggled at home this season with a 9-15 record.

Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT (7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT)
TV: Peacock, FanDuel Sports Network – North This game marks the third meeting between the teams this season, with the series tied 1-1 heading in.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with key absences, but Memphis is hit particularly hard, missing several starters and rotation players.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Anthony Edwards (G): Questionable – Back spasms

Julius Randle (F): Questionable – Left thumb soreness

Terrence Shannon Jr. (G): Out – Left foot abductor hallucis strain

Enrique Freeman (F): Out – G League (two-way)

Rocco Zikarsky (C): Out – G League (two-way)

Memphis Grizzlies:

Ja Morant (G): Out – Left elbow UCL sprain

Jaren Jackson Jr. (F): Questionable – Left quad contusion

Santi Aldama (F): Out – Right knee injury management

Brandon Clarke (F): Out – Right calf strain

Zach Edey (C): Out – Left ankle stress reaction

John Konchar (G): Out – Anterior triangle contusion

Scotty Pippen Jr. (G): Out – Left great toe surgery recovery

The Grizzlies’ frontcourt is decimated without Aldama, Clarke, Edey, and potentially Jackson Jr., leaving them vulnerable inside. Edwards and Randle’s questionable tags add uncertainty for Minnesota, but both played in the January 31 win.

Key

Player Matchups and Key Battles

Projected starting lineups based on recent games and injury adjustments:

Minnesota Timberwolves:

PG: Donte DiVincenzo

SG: Anthony Edwards

SF: Jaden McDaniels

PF: Julius Randle

C: Rudy Gobert

Memphis Grizzlies:

PG: Cedric Coward

SG: Ty Jerome

SF: Jaylen Wells

PF: Vince Williams Jr.

C: Jock Landale

Key battles to watch:

Anthony Edwards vs. Ty Jerome: Edwards exploded for 33 points in the January 31 matchup and averages 29.4 PPG this season. Jerome, stepping up with 20 PPG recently, will have his hands full defending Edwards’ athleticism and scoring versatility. If Edwards sits, DiVincenzo could see more usage.

Rudy Gobert vs. Jock Landale: Gobert, a rebounding machine at 12.5 RPG, should dominate the depleted Grizzlies frontcourt. Landale lacks the size and strength to contain Gobert, who projects for a double-double (13.5+ rebounds expected).

Julius Randle vs. Vince Williams Jr.: Randle’s physicality (22.3 PPG, 5.4 APG) could overwhelm Williams, especially if Jackson Jr. is out. This matchup favors Minnesota’s spacing and ball movement.

Bench Impact: Cam Spencer (Grizzlies) vs. Naz Reid (Timberwolves): Spencer has emerged with 10.5+ points potential, but Reid’s versatility off the bench gives Minnesota an edge in second-unit scoring.

The Wolves’ depth and size advantage should shine, particularly if Memphis’ injuries force reliance on role players like Coward and Wells.

Recent Team Forms

Minnesota Timberwolves (Last 10 Games): The Wolves are 7-3 in their last 10, including a 131-114 win over Memphis on January 31. They’ve won four straight, showcasing strong offense (averaging 119.4 PPG in recent matchups) and defense, holding opponents under 110 in three of those wins.

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 31@ MEMW131-114
Jan 29vs DALW121-110
Jan 27vs OKCW107-101
Jan 25@ SACL112-115
Jan 23vs BKNW118-112
Jan 21@ CHAW128-125
Jan 19vs INDL109-117
Jan 17@ DETW124-117
Jan 15vs LACW109-105
Jan 13@ LACL105-109

Memphis Grizzlies (Last 10 Games): The Grizzlies are 2-8 in their last 10, on a six-game skid, and have lost by double digits in four of those. Their offense has sputtered without key players, averaging just 110.4 PPG recently.

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 31vs MINL114-131
Jan 30@ NOPL97-112
Jan 28vs CHOL110-117
Jan 26vs HOUL106-110
Jan 24@ ORLL99-107
Jan 22@ MIAL96-101
Jan 20vs TORW108-100
Jan 18vs CHIL118-125
Jan 16@ MINW116-110
Jan 14vs GSWL116-123

Minnesota’s form gives them a clear edge.

Series History

All-time: Minnesota leads 59-55 (114 games). This season: Tied 1-1.  December 17, 2025: Grizzlies 116-110 @ Timberwolves (Jackson Jr. 28 PTS for MEM; Randle 21 PTS for MIN)  January 31, 2026: Timberwolves 131-114 @ Grizzlies (Edwards 33 PTS for MIN; Jerome 20 PTS for MEM) Minnesota is 6-4 in the last 10 head-to-head, averaging 117.4 PPG. The teams have split the last four meetings at FedExForum.

Betting Trends

Timberwolves: 4-0 ATS in last 4 games; 6-4 ATS in last 10 vs. Grizzlies; 7-3 to the Over in last 10.  Grizzlies: 3-9 ATS in last 12 as home underdog; 2-10 SU as home underdog this season; 7-3 to the Over in last 10 head-to-head.

Game Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves            – 7.5

Memphis Grizzlies                          229.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 1, 2026