Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies: Teams to improve the field goal execution

Minnesota will try to save the series in Game 4 against Memphis, as the Wolves are currently trailing and would have no margin for error if they lose. Can the Timberwolves pick up an important win?

Memphis, but then suffered 2 straight losses. Looking at the longer game stretch, Minnesota has won 5 of their last 10 games. Karl-Anthony Towns has looked shaky in the postseason so far, totaling just 11 shots on goal in 2 games. Anthony Edwards has been fairly consistent overall, while D'Angelo Russell's offensive bursts have been less frequent than we would have liked. Russell scored 22 points in his last game against the Grizzlies but it did not save the Wolves from a 95-104 defeat. Chris Finch's team took a rough start to the game and went on a 12-0 run, increasing the Timberwolves' lead to 25 points in the third quarter. In the final 12 minutes, Minnesota shot a lot from beyond the arc, but only 1 of their 11 attempts was successful. 

It's hard to consider the Grizzlies a title contender at this point, but the team as a whole leaves a very favorable impression. The club has shown great flexibility during the regular season, at times successfully managing without Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks, and the coach now reacts quickly to whatever happens on the court. Steven Adams, for example, dropped out of the rotation, and Jaren Jackson, Jr. became the starting center. Xavier Tillman replaced Adams, while Kyle Anderson was promoted to center. Dillon Brooks was injured on the eve of the game and his participation in Game 4 of the playoffs is questionable. Killian Tillie and Santi Aldama will not be on the floor for sure.

Desmond Bane was the main hero of the last game against Minnesota with his 7 three-pointers, but you can't deny Morant's credit either. Yes, Ja was ineffective in finishing, but he made up for it with 5 of 18 from the field. Morant added 10 rebounds and 10 assists to his 16 points. Brandon Clarke surprised the most with 20 points and he even spent more time on the court than Jaren Jackson.

Minnesota stacks up defensively as best they can, but they have vulnerabilities on both the front line and the back. The shortcomings of Towns and Russell cannot be fully compensated for, and because of that, Memphis constantly gets easy chances to shoot. The visitors can improve their shot attempts and Morant is capable of scoring more from the paint. If Brooks doesn't play, the Grizzlies will lose their edge on defense, and the Timberwolves already have plenty of offensive upside. For example, the Wolves scored 11 points in the first 3 minutes of the last game, running off fastbreaks and picking up fouls. In any case, the meeting should be productive, but psychologically it will be difficult for the hosts to fight for the victory, because just 2 days ago they squandered the advantage of 25 points. I suggest we bet on the following outcomes:

• Total Over (232.5) for 1.90;
• H2 (-2.5) for 1.825;
• Ja Morant TO (28.5) points for 1.87.

TelecomAsia Sport is looking for a Qatar-based video blogger to work during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Contact jobs@telecomasia.net for more information.