The Memphis Grizzlies welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to the FedExForum. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 16 and can be seen on FxS and FNo.
The Grizzlies are expecting a better outcome after their 130-81 loss to the Rockets on Monday. Jarell Martin was the team’s leading scorer, recording 17 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their tough 107-104 loss to the Suns on Monday. Zach LaVine led the game in scoring with 28 points.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins have been on a tear over the last five games for the Timberwolves. Towns has averaged 21.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 blocks during that stretch, while Wiggins has put up 23.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers.
The physical Timberwolves offense seems poised to make an impact from the foul line. They rank second in the NBA at getting to the stripe (free throw attempt rate of 33.5), while Memphis is among the league’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 29th-ranked free throw attempt rate of 32.3).
The Grizzlies lead the season series against the Timberwolves two games to one, including a 109-104 victory in their last matchup. Mike Conley was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points.
The Grizzlies have gone 39-28 Straight Up (SU) and 33-31-3 Against The Spread (ATS). They have a record of 39-28 SU and 33-31-3 ATS versus the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are fifth in the league in steals with 8.9 per game.
Across the court, the Timberwolves head into the game with records of 30-36-1 ATS and 21-46 SU. Minnesota has records of 21-46 SU and 30-36-1 ATS against the West. The Timberwolves are getting to the foul line at a high rate, with an NBA-best 1,452 free throws made (21.0 per game).
Memphis won the last meeting this season between these two teams, bringing its SU record to 6-4 over the Timberwolves in the last 10 games. The Timberwolves hold the advantage ATS with a record of 6-4.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mem
Notes
Both Minnesota and Memphis rank zeroth in points per game and points allowed per game respectively. Minnesota puts up 0.0 points per game, while Memphis gives up 0.0.
Minnesota and Memphis are well matched, ranking zeroth in points per away game and points allowed at home respectively. Minnesota puts up an average of 0.0 points on the road, while Memphis gives up 0.0 points at home on average.
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost their last game by a three-point margin. In games decided by a margin of three points or less, the Memphis Grizzlies are 8-2. Minnesota is 5-7 in close games this season.
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves are a solid 11-7. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Memphis Grizzlies have a poor record of 10-22.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an underachieving 10-39 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Memphis Grizzlies are 29-6 when they hit the century mark.
The Grizzlies have a defensive rating of 104.6 (ranked 16th), while the Timberwolves rank 11th for their offensive rating of 104.2.
Ranked eighth in the NBA, Minnesota has an average field goal percentage of 46.0%. Memphis is 12-16 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Memphis is 29th and 22nd in the league for EFF% and FG% respectively, while Minnesota ranks 21st and eighth in these categories.
Memphis makes an average of 20.9 assists per game (ranked 22nd). Minnesota ranks higher in assists with 22.6 (ranked 11th).
Memphis makes an average of 4.4 blocks per game (ranked 20th). Minnesota ranks higher in blocks with 4.6 (ranked 18th).
Memphis is ranked 16th in offensive rebounding. Minnesota ranks 27th in defensive rebounds.
Memphis averages 8.9 steals per game, ranking fifth in the league. Minnesota is a losing 10-25 when it gives up at least 8 steals.
