Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies

• The Minnesota Timberwolves shot 50% from the field in Game 1!
• The Memphis Grizzlies couldn’t find their range, shooting just 25.9% from three in Game 1!
• The Minnesota Timberwolves lead the Memphis Grizzlies, 1-0 in their first-round series!

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies Odds

Head-to-Head: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies

Injury Report

How Can the Timberwolves Beat the Grizzlies?

The Minnesota Timberwolves got off to as good of a start as they could’ve asked for in Game 1 against the Grizzlies. The young Timberwolves looked comfortable against the West’s second seed, as shown through their prolific shooting.

In-Game 1 against the Grizzlies, the Timberwolves were able to shoot 50% from the field and 39% from the three-point range. Their 16 three-pointers were only possible due to their blistering pace, and team-oriented offence which produced 32 assists on 45 field goals.

D’Angelo Russell led the way for the Timberwolves in the assist column, but 5 different Timberwolves also contributed at least 3 assists in Game 1. Heading into Game 2, the Timberwolves must maintain their passing game if they hope to overcome the Grizzlies tough defence once again.

Timberwolves Key Player: (G) Anthony Edwards

that was Ant’s #NBAPlayoffs debut ?

36 pts.
2 reb.
6 ast. pic.twitter.com/tlJY7Asqj4

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 17, 2022

The Minnesota Timberwolves expected to be in for a tough Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, but sophomore sensation Anthony Edwards looked like a seasoned veteran in Minnesota’s dominant victory.

In his first NBA Playoff performance ever, Edwards posted 36 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal in 40 minutes of play. He wasn’t shy, shooting 12 of 23 from the field and 4 of 11 from three-point range.

Edwards’ aggression gave the Grizzlies trouble in Game 1, as shown by his 8 of 8 night from the free-throw line. If he can continue to score the ball at an efficient rate while drawing fouls, there is little the Grizzlies can do to stop him.

Check out our predictions for who will win the 2022 NBA Most Valuable Player Award!

How Can the Grizzlies Beat the Timberwolves?

The Memphis Grizzlies look to recover after a shocking loss in Game 1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Not only were they beat on the offensive end, but they weren’t able to capitalize in areas where they’ve excelled all season long.

Despite having one of the grittiest defences in the NBA, the top rebounding team in the league was outdone by the pacey Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. After ranking 1st in rebounding per game (49.2) and 7th in rebounds allowed per game (43.0), the Grizzlies allowed the Timberwolves to beat them on the boards by a margin of 11.

The Grizzlies had to adjust to the long rebounds of the Timberwolves, given their willingness to shoot from range. If Memphis can control the glass and have the Timberwolves playing at their pace, they should be able to even up the series.

Grizzlies Key Player: (G) Ja Morant

Ja Morant in GM1

32 Points
8/18 Shooting
16/20 Free Throws
8 Assistspic.twitter.com/rZ5YJuPTTE

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 17, 2022

Despite the loss in Game 1, Ja Morant showed that he is one of the NBA’s truest young stars. If he can build off of his Game 1 performance, it’ll be difficult for the Timberwolves to beat them for the second straight game.

In his second NBA Playoff series experience, Morant posted 32 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal in 35 minutes of play. Morant’s willingness to attack the rim was on full display, as he supported his 8 of 18 shooting night with a 16 of 20 night from the free-throw line.

Morant needs to be in excellent form for the Grizzlies to rebound from their loss. Not the most accurate three-point shooter, a decent night from deep to keep the Timberwolves honest could be the difference between victory and defeat for Morant and the Grizzlies.

How to Watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies