Grizzlies Host Timberwolves in Crucial Western Conference Showdown

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves face off in a pivotal Western Conference matchup Monday afternoon at FedEx Forum. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET, with the Grizzlies entering as 6-point favorites and an over/under set at 237 points.

The Grizzlies (27-15), second in the Southwest Division, are riding high after a dominant 140-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (22-20), third in the Northwest Division, look to bounce back from a 124-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. Minnesota leads the all-time regular-season series 57-53, including seven wins in their last 10 meetings.

Memphis boasts a strong home record at 15-5 this season, while Minnesota has been solid on the road with a 12-10 mark. Injuries could play a role, as Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo (toe) is out, and Rudy Gobert (ankle) is questionable.

Power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a standout for the Grizzlies, averaging 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. In his last matchup against Minnesota on Jan. 11, Jackson scored 33 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a narrow 127-125 win. Shooting guard Desmond Bane has also been a key contributor, averaging 17.3 points and 5.2 assists while shooting 49% from the field.

For the Timberwolves, shooting guard Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, leads the offense with averages of 26.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Edwards is coming off a 36-point, 13-rebound performance in a win over the New York Knicks on Friday. Power forward Karl-Anthony Towns has also been a force, averaging 19.3 points and 7.2 rebounds this season.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, predicts the total points will fall under 237, projecting 226 combined points. The model, which has returned over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated picks over the past six seasons, also indicates one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time.

With both teams vying for playoff positioning, Monday’s matchup promises high stakes and intense competition. Fans can catch the action live and see if the Grizzlies can defend their home court or if the Timberwolves will continue their recent dominance in the series.