GDT: Minnesota vs. Memphis
Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2021 7:56 pm
6-9... heh, nice. But not nice enough for this Wolves team as they make their leap from bottom-feeder to playoff team. This game could very well determine whether or not Minnesota makes the play-in tournament at the end of the year when seeds are separated by a single game and/or tiebreakers. That's not to say that the Wolves' season is over with a loss, but that this game could potentially be quite important.
Anyways, we won't have to worry about that as the Wolves win this one convincingly and extend the winning streak to three games. As of this writing, the Wolves are the 1.5-point favorite at home. Minnesota comes into this game with a sour taste in their mouth from their last matchup when they let a win slip away after entering the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead.
Furthermore, the Wolves offense has taken steps forward lately as Chris Finch adds more structure while the defense surprisingly remains the strength of the team. I think D'Angelo Russell is due for one of his hot shooting nights. I also think Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince, and Jaden McDaniels build off of their most recent performances.
Memphis
De'Anthony Melton: OUT
Sam Merrill: OUT
Dillon Brooks: DOUBTFUL
Minnesota
Josh Okogie: QUESTIONABLE
Naz Reid: QUESTIONABLE
If the Grizzlies are indeed without Brooks and Melton, I see no reason for this to be a loss. In the first matchup, Brooks was out and it was Melton who was the Wolves-killer filling it up for 19 points. Without either of them available, I don't see how they can score enough to beat the Wolves even with a red-hot Ja Morant leading the way.
Minnesota wins by eight.
Anyways, we won't have to worry about that as the Wolves win this one convincingly and extend the winning streak to three games. As of this writing, the Wolves are the 1.5-point favorite at home. Minnesota comes into this game with a sour taste in their mouth from their last matchup when they let a win slip away after entering the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead.
Furthermore, the Wolves offense has taken steps forward lately as Chris Finch adds more structure while the defense surprisingly remains the strength of the team. I think D'Angelo Russell is due for one of his hot shooting nights. I also think Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince, and Jaden McDaniels build off of their most recent performances.
Memphis
De'Anthony Melton: OUT
Sam Merrill: OUT
Dillon Brooks: DOUBTFUL
Minnesota
Josh Okogie: QUESTIONABLE
Naz Reid: QUESTIONABLE
If the Grizzlies are indeed without Brooks and Melton, I see no reason for this to be a loss. In the first matchup, Brooks was out and it was Melton who was the Wolves-killer filling it up for 19 points. Without either of them available, I don't see how they can score enough to beat the Wolves even with a red-hot Ja Morant leading the way.
Minnesota wins by eight.