Howlin' T-Wolf

Timberwolves: 12-38

Grizzlies: 26-23

The Wolves showed up to play last night in Dallas and came out with another win under our belts. Tonight, the Wolves are heading back home for a match-up with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Last time we played the Grizzlies, they were white-hot shooting an astounding 58% putting up 135 on the board. The Wolves’ defense has greatly improved since then and Rudy Gay has slowed his production. The new starting lineup of the Wolves will be a better fit against this Grizzlies team. Our team is taller and will match their strong frontcourt nicely. Despite the Grizzlies strong frontcourt, the key tonight will be stopping Rudy Gay and to not allow him to heat up at any point in the game. As I said, he’s had some bad scoring games lately (9, 10 and 11 in three of the past five games) so it can be done. The Wolves’ offense has looked great as of late, so that won’t be a problem tonight. The Grizzlies are athletic on defense but aren’t the best in the league in that category either. Our deep bench will be another key tonight. Even with Kevin Love aside, they put up 25 points last night and look like they are starting to gel quite nicely with each other. Having a solid rotation has given this team a foundation to rely on and ultimately get wins out of the deal as well.

Match-ups:

Point Guard:

Jonny Flynn vs. Mike Conley

Conley blew up in the last meeting putting up 18 points and 8 assists. I can safely say that won’t happen again. Flynn’s defense is more stifling as of late, so Conley will have trouble putting up that kind of line again. Flynn’s lines have been solid and consistent — he only had one turnover last night.

Advantage: Minnesota

Shooting Guard:

Corey Brewer vs. O.J. Mayo

Brewer is on fire right now. He is arguably the Wolves’ best player on the floor and will be a handful for Mayo. He’s hitting open shots and showing that his game is full of raw potential. He’s finally starting to prove to this team and its fans that he’s something special.

Advantage: Minnesota

Small Forward:

Ryan Gomes vs. Rudy Gay

Gay lit the Wolves up last game but his production has slowed down as of late. Gomes has been a solid player lately scoring in double digits for five straight games. Still, you can’t deny the talent and ability of Gay, as he has the chance to take over any game at any given time.

Advantage: Memphis

Power Forward:

Al Jefferson vs. Zach Randolph

Jefferson still hasn’t returned to that dominant play we’ve been used to seeing but it has improved since his lackluster play a few weeks ago. Nonetheless, Randolph is an All-Star and is arguably having his best season of his career. Love off the bench, once again, will pose as an issue for the Grizzlies but I think Randolph will be too much to handle.

Advantage: Memphis

Center:

Ryan Hollins vs. Marc Gasol

Gasol hasn’t been talked about too much lately but Hollins is quite the opposite. Hollins has posted great lines and is averaging over 16 points a game since entering the starting lineup and has really boosted this team’s morale giving them three wins in the process.

Advantage: Minnesota