The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies in an exciting NBA matchup on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Both teams are looking to secure a vital win to strengthen their standings in the Western Conference.
Minnesota Timberwolves Preview:
The Timberwolves enter the game with a 20-17 overall record and are riding a three-game winning streak. Despite a streaky season, Minnesota has shown resilience, winning six of their last nine games. Anthony Edwards, the team’s top scorer, averages 25.7 points per game and has been instrumental in their recent successes. Coming off a 104-89 win against the Orlando Magic, Minnesota aims to continue their winning momentum.
Additionally, Julius Randle and Naz Reid have provided consistent scoring support, averaging 19.6 and 12.8 points per game, respectively. Although the Timberwolves have faced challenges without Karl-Anthony Towns (traded to the New York Knicks), they have managed to remain competitive with their strong defense, allowing just 107.2 points per game.
Memphis Grizzlies Preview:
The Grizzlies hold a 24-14 record with a 9-9 mark in away games. Inconsistent performances have marked their season, as they have gone 5-5 in their last ten games. Ja Morant’s return from a shoulder injury is a significant boost for Memphis, although he shot just 9 of 22 from the field in their recent 119-115 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the Grizzlies with 22.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Morant is closely behind, averaging 21.5 points and 7.7 assists per game. Desmond Bane also provides vital scoring, contributing 16.7 points per game. Memphis ranks highly on offense, averaging 122.9 points per game, but struggles defensively, allowing 114.8 points per game.
Key Matchup:
The key matchup to watch will be between the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant. Both players are essential to their respective teams’ success, and their performances could determine the game’s outcome. Edwards’ scoring and Randle’s support, coupled with Minnesota’s defense, will be tested against Morant’s playmaking and Jackson Jr.’s scoring prowess.
Historical Context:
This game will be the first of three regular-season meetings between the two teams. Following Saturday’s game, the Timberwolves and Grizzlies are scheduled to play each other twice in Memphis, on January 20 and April 10. Historically, the Timberwolves lead the series 57-52 in 109 regular-season meetings.
