Match Start Time 11:30 am (AEDT)
Game Breakdown:
Memphis will head to Minnesota hoping to snap their 4 game losing streak and continue their push for the 1st seed in the West. However, Anthony Edwards and the T Wolves will be feeling very good about their chances to beat their rivals and continue to get revenge for last season’s playoffs. The Timberwolves lost 4-2 to Memphis in last season’s playoffs in a series where each game could have been won by either team. Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies on the other hand will be eager to turn around their form and a win on the road against an unpredictable Timberwolves lineup could be the perfect way to reignite their old form.
Memphis Grizzlies Breakdown – @1.65
Ja Morant and the Grizzlies are arguably one of the most hated teams in the league at the moment but there is no doubt that the confident young team are a contender for this season if they are fully healthy. Coming up against the Timberwolves without KAT is a large advantage favouring Memphis however, Their young start SG Desmond Bane who is averaging 21.7 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, is questionable for today’s game. Bane is shooting nearly 43% from 3 this season and has been absolutely essential to the team’s success this season. Another concern is the absence of Steven Adams which will hurt the interior defence of the Memphis Frontcourt. That being said Morant and Jackson Jr have been electric this season and I will not be surprised if Morant goes for 30+ points against a weakened Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves Breakdown – @2.35
Anthony Edwards who has averaged almost 28ppg over his last 10 games will be a vital influence in tomorrow’s result and that can’t be stressed enough. This young player will be one of the faces of the game in 5 years and his game is criminally underrated. Ant-man has played out of his skin this season averaging 24.5ppg, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and almost 2 steals a game. His impact is felt on both sides of the floor and it is most likely that he will have to carry the T Wolves against the 2nd-seeded Memphis lineup. For the T Wolves to win, D’Angelo Russell will have to contribute more than he usually does as he has struggled against Memphis this season only averaging 9ppg. Rudy Gobert is questionable, but that might help Minnesota’s spacing and allow Edwards to attack the rim and challenge the Memphis PF (Jaren Jackson Jr) at the rim. Edwards for 30+ points would not surprise me.
The Verdict
Who Wins? – I think Memphis has an ever-so-slight edge in this matchup and I’m only leaning with them as the Timberwolves are so unpredictable.
Result – Memphis wins by 1-10 at $2.75 Odds
Player to watch – Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)