What: Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Where: Thomas and Mack Center/Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, NV
When: Monday, July 15th at 9:00 PM EST
How (TV): NBATV
Memphis Grizzlies (Away)
Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins (Pennsylvania)
Tournament Record (Form): 5-1 (WWLWW)
Projected Starting Five: (G) Keenan Evans – (G) Tyler Harvey – (G) Grayson Allen – (F) Bruno Caboclo – (C) Brandon Clarke
Last Game Against NOP
Top Performers:
- C Brandon Clarke – 23 PTS | 14 REB | 7-10 FGM
- F Bruno Caboclo – 12 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK
- G Tyler Harvey – 13 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST
The Memphis Grizzlies continue their run of spectacular form. They defeated a Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans team in the semi-finals, and will now face off against the undefeated Memphis Grizzlies in the Summer League Final.
In their last match against the Pelicans, the Grizzlies had their work cut out for them. Not only was it an overtime thriller, but it was a throwback defensive showcase where both teams looked to shut down the opposing side.
With their defensive abilities in check, the Grizzlies will want to get back their offense back on track. Brandon Clark was a beast, but they will need contributions from Grayson Allen and Bruno Caboclo if they hope to take home the summer league trophy.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Home)
Head Coach: Ryan Saunders (Minnesota)
Tournament Record (Form): 6-0 (WWWW)
Projected Starting Five: (G) Jordan McLaughlin – (G) Jared Terrell – (F) Mitchell Creek – (F) Keita Bates-Diop – (C) Naz Reid
Last Game Against BKN
Top Performers:
- C Naz Reid – 20 PTS | 6 REB | 3 BLK
- G Jordan McLaughlin – 12 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST
- F Mitchell Creek – 11 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST
The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to book their ticket to the NBA Summer League Final with a win over the Brooklyn Nets. It is their first time in the Summer League Final and their performance is quite impressive with the likes of Culver and Okogie not participating.
It was an ugly game, to say the least. While there was a lot of running and scoring in transition, neither team was able to get their act together in the half-court. The T-Wolves will have their work cut out for them when they take on the defensively adept Memphis Grizzlies.
The Wolves went ten men deep against the Nets, but are not expected to do the same against the Grizzlies. Guard Jordan McLaughlin has led the Wolves well, but he’ll need to improve on 4-15 shooting to hold down the Grizzlies.
What’s At Stake?
The NBA Summer League Final is a one-off match between the winning teams in the tournament portion of Summer League.
With wins in the semi-finals, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves have one chance at being champions.
A win for either side would mark their first-ever Summer League Championship.
Brandon Clarke Will Be Ready
Brandon Clarke may have put on his best performance of the Summer League in his last match against the New Orleans Pelicans. He was the star of the show and was incredibly efficient while doing so.
Against the Pelicans, Clarke was dominant. The Canadian contributed 23 points, 14 rebounds, and a block in 24 minutes. All while shooting an impressive 7-10 from the field and 9-11 from the free throw line.
He will be facing off against another rebounding machine in Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both have been dominant in the paint during the Summer League. Clarke is a more refined option, but if the Canadian wants to help take the Summer League trophy for his team he’ll have to do the dirty work.
Do the Timberwolves Have the Firepower?
The Minnesota Timberwolves were the only undefeated team in the Summer League tournament. Due to the nature of the draw, it is difficult to predict the quality of their opponent. The Timberwolves are deep but lack a singularly talented option.
In their win against the Nets, the Timberwolves relied on the contributions of Mitch Creek, Naz Reid, and Jordan McLaughlin to lead them through. Team effort defines this Timberwolves side, they own the best point differential of the tournament at +13.3.
At 93 points per game, the Timberwolves are in the top ten in Summer League scoring. However, the hard-nosed Grizzlies have kept their opponents around 84.3. The Wolves are no slouch on defense, but the Grizzlies are their toughest match yet.
Memphis Grizzlies Roster Notes
C Ivan Rabb – Out (Personal) – Rabb did not play in Sunday’s match against the Pelicans, he is not expected to play in the Final against the Timberwolves.
G John Konchar – Out (Unspecified) – Konchar didn’t play in Sunday’s semi-final match due to an unspecified injury.
F Yuta Watanabe – Day-to-Day (Unspecified) – Watanabe sat out of Sunday’s semi0final match due to an unspecified injury.
Minnesota Timberwolves
G Josh Okogie – Day-to-Day (Left Leg Contusion) – Okogie did not play in Sunday’s semi-final matchup against the Nets.
F Jarrett Culver – Out (Exclusion) – The Minnesota Timberwolves have chosen for Culver to not participate in Summer League.
X-Factors: Grayson Allen (MEM) vs Keita Bates-Diop (MIN)
Two recently underachieving pieces will face off when Grayson Allen and Keita Bates-Diop go head-to-head in the 2019 NBA Summer League Final. Neither have performed up to standard and the incoming sophomores will be relied upon to take their teams to a championship.
Grayson Allen
Shooting Guard | 6-5, 198lb (196cm, 89kg) | Duke | Exp. 1 Year
5.6 PPG | 0.7 APG | 0.6 RPG | 0.2 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 0.9 TOV | .376 FG% | .323 3P%
Unfortunately for the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grayson Allen, his embarrassing on-court antics tend to overshadow his honest ability on the court. He is as athletic as they come at his size and he has the ability to knock down shots and create for others. Unfortunately, he is yet to show the emotional capacity to be an NBA player.
Allen was ejected from their quarterfinal match and did not come out in the semi-final with any sense of motivation. In 21 minutes Allen contributed only 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, on 2-9 shooting. While it is a little bit of everything, much more is expected out of a second-year piece.
Allen could be the difference maker against the Timberwolves. With Okogie unlikely to play against the Grizzlies, there isn’t a player for Minnesota that can keep up with Allen. If he can keep his head straight, Allen can be the piece to bring home the championship for Memphis.
Keita Bates-Diop
Power Forward | 6-9, 229lb (206cm, 103kg) | Ohio State | Exp. 1 Year
5.0 PPG | 0.6 APG | 2.8 RPG | 0.6 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 0.5 TOV | .423 FG% | .250 3P%
There isn’t a singular scoring option for the Timberwolves but Keita Bates-Diop is a player that needs to step up for them in the final. He had foul trouble throughout his last match against the Nets, but it’ll be no excuse in their last match.
In his last game, Bates-Diop contributed only 5 points and 3 rebounds on 2-9 shooting on the evening. He also failed to register a free-throw attempt. Athletic and owning a year of experience in the NBA, more is expected of Bates-Diop.
He’s averaging about 10 points and 5 rebounds per game over the span of the tournament. Even reaching those numbers alone will spur his team on. Considering he will likely be matched up with capable threats in Brandon Clarke or Bruno Caboclo, Bates-Diop will need to bring his A-game to win the title.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions and Odds
If you are in New Jersey, you can bet on the NBA Summer League game between the Grizzlies and the Timberwolves on BetStars. For odds to more sporting events visit 888Sport and DraftKings. Good luck!
Point Spread
| Sportsbook |
Grizzlies +1.5 |
Timberwolves -1.5 |
Link |
| BetStars NJ |
-120 |
-118 |
|
* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER
Total Points
| Sportsbook |
Over 172.5 |
Under 172.5 |
Link |
| BetStars NJ |
-125 |
-105 |
|
* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER
Money Line
| Sportsbook |
Grizzlies |
Timberwolves |
Link |
| BetStars NJ |
-105 |
-125 |
|
* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER
/1666344578/christian-jope.png "Christian jope")
/dmca.png "Dmca"){kind=small}
/1670944202/21.png "21"){kind=small}
/1670944628/2022-igb-best-casino-affiliate-gig-media-e1651053747946.png "2022 igb best casino affiliate gig media e1651053747946"){kind=small}
/1670944701/gig-media-power-affiliates-rank-123x40-1.png "Gig media power affiliates rank 123x40 1"){kind=icon}
/1670944773/800-gambler-black-144x40.jpg "800 gambler black 144x40"){kind=small}
/1718715753/gpwa.webp "Gpwa"){kind=small}
