Memphis Grizzlies Projected To End Losing Spell Against Recovering Minnesota TimberWolves

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies will need to step up if the team is to end its four-game losing spell on Friday, Jan. 27. Getty Images/Christian Petersen

KEY POINTS

The Grizzlies are slight favorites to prevail over the Timberwolves on Friday
The Timberwolves will need to step up their defense to hand the Grizzlies another loss
The regular-season series between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves is tied at one game each

The Memphis Grizzlies are on a losing skid, and they want to get back to their winning ways.

That could happen on Friday, January 27 when they visit the undermanned Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center.

Memphis is coming off another loss, this time at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, 120-122.

It was a sorry loss for the Grizzlies, no thanks to the last-second layup of Jordan Poole.

"We're just going to need other guys to raise their level in those departments. Obviously, we're struggling right now on both ends of the floor, we just got to find our groove, it's a next-man-up mentality," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said in the post-game interview.

The loss spoiled the 29-point effort of Ja Morant, who also dished out a game-high 12 assists.

Desmond Bane chipped in 20 markers, while Brandon Clark finished with 19 points.

Memphis is fifth in the league in team points per game with 117.1 points per contest and holds an offensive rating of 114.2.

The Grizzlies are also surrendering 112.6 points per match and likewise own a defensive rating of 109.8.

Hence, the Timberwolves will have to exert added effort if they want to send the Grizzlies to their fifth-straight loss as they are coming off a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-102.

Anthony Edwards lifted Minnesota with 37 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Edwards had invaluable support from D'Angelo Russell with 19 markers and five dimes.

The game also marked the return of Rudy Gobert, who finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

"We're in a position where we want to really stop worrying about the other team," Gobert stated. "Regardless of what's the weather or who's hurt, whose playing, we know if we come with the right approach, the right mindset, it's going to be a good game for us."

The Timberwolves are averaging 115.2 points per game and possess an offensive rating of 113.1.

Defensively, they are holding opponents to 115.4 points per match.

The Grizzlies are -3 spread favorites to come out on top of the Timberwolves, who are pegged at +3.

In addition, the moneyline is -158 for Memphis and +135 for Minnesota.

The game will be shown on NBA TV at 7:30 PM ET with live streaming available via the NBA League Pass.