Grizzlies look to stay the course against the Timberwolves

The Memphis Grizzlies are on a four game winning streak and look to extend their streak to five with a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Grizzlies (25-19) currently sit fifth in the west and have a chance to put more distance between themselves and the Dallas Mavericks (25-20) who are only a half game back of the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are first in the league in turnover differential (3.3) and has had a positive differential in 32 games. The Grizzlies have won 19 of the past 23 games against the Timberwolves and have won 10 of the last 12 at the Target Center.

 

Marc Gasol and Tony Allen may not be available for the game but it’s no time to panic. The Grizzlies have players that are more than capable that can step up in the absence of Gasol and Allen.

 

Keys to the Game

1. This can very well be a trap game. The Grizzlies must NOT underestimate this team like they have done in the past. On February 6th last season, the Grizzlies led 87-80 with less than two minutes to play lost to the Timberwolves 90-89. The Grizzlies had the ball with a chance to win in the closing seconds, but Ricky Rubio poked it away from Mike Conley to seal the victory for the Timberwolves.

2. In November at the Target Center, the Grizzlies had 15 turnovers while the Timberwolves had only 12. They must take care of the ball better like they have been doing in their last 5 games.

3. Jeff Green and Mike Conley need to have a good offensive output like they did in the last meeting. Green led the team with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Conley went 7-of-14 from the field with 20 points and was 4-of-6 from the three point line.

4. Step up the defense. Contain Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach Levine as much as possible. Repeat the game plan from November..Towns and Levine were in foul trouble. Levine only played 17 minutes with five fouls.

5. Since Marc Gasol and Tony Allen are questionable and might not be available, there’s only one thing left to do; just throw it to the hand.

Zach Randolph should do what he does best….go to work. First name 20, last name 10 shouldn’t have much of a problem showing up tonight!!

6. The bench must step up and contribute mightily. Mario Chalmers (16) and JaMychal Green (12) were the studs for the Grizzlies at the Target Center on November 15, 2015. I don’t see a reason why they can’t be the studs again.

 

Prediction

I predict the Grizzlies will find a way to win and will be 26-19 when this game is over. They seem to be more focused than they were at the beginning of the season. They still have issues but I believe they will grind out wins in spite of. I believe and so should the rest of Grizz Nation as the Grind to Greatness continues…..

 

Tip-Off

 

Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN

When: 7:00 pm CST

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Southeast/ESPN 92.9 FM

 

*****Stats via: ESPN*****