Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - November 8th, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
The slumping Minnesota Timberwolves will start a four-game road schedule beginning with a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
Minnesota’s lackluster offense will have to play a major part in halting the team's losing skid. The Timberwolves rely heavily on the duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards to win without much success. Coach Chris Finch will be hoping to squeeze more out of the moribund offense to get them back on the winning track.
Ja Morant just had his worst game of the season against the Washington Wizards. He finished with a paltry 11 points on 4-17 shooting with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. These numbers are downright abnormal compared to what he has been producing in his first seven games of the season.
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Opposing defenses have been doubling Morant, which has affected his offensive output, with only 14.5 PPG in his last two games. There is an impetus on Jaren Jackson Jr. to offer more support for their starting point guard on offense. A more balanced attack from the Memphis Grizzlies would go a long way in protecting their home court.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
D’Angelo Russell, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting point guard, has missed the last few games with an ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis' struggling offense could surely get a boost from Russell’s play.
D’Angelo Russell participated in Timberwolves practice today.
Chris Finch did not commit to Russell playing on Monday in Memphis (ankle).
Leandro Bolmero has been assigned to the G-League and will not travel with the team. McKinley Wright IV is also set to play for the G-League.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
Dillon Brooks’ defense and hustle will continue to be missed by the Memphis Grizzlies. He is still recovering from a left-hand fracture.
Killian Tillie has been ruled out with back soreness. Ziaire Williams is listed as questionable due to right wrist soreness.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies: Predicted Lineups
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves lineup will mostly be made up of wingers, with Karl-Anthony Towns at center and Patrick Beverly as point guard.
Anthony Edwards will play shooting guard, while Jaden McDaniels will handle small forward duties. Taurean Prince will be the small-ball power forward.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies normally roll out a more traditional unit, with Steven Adams plugging the middle and Jaren Jackson Jr. as the power forward.
They will have Ja Morant as the point guard, with the much-improved Desmond Bane at shooting guard. De’Anthony Melton’s defense and grit will give him the starting small forward role.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies: Starting 5s
Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard - Patrick Beverly | Shooting Guard - Anthony Edwards | Small Forward - Jaden McDaniels | Power Forward - Taurean Prince | Center - Karl Anthony-Towns
Memphis Grizzlies
Point Guard - Ja Morant | Shooting Guard - Desmond Bane | Small Forward - De’ANdre Melton | POwer Forward - Jaren Jackson Jr. | Center - Steven Adams