Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Grizzlies matchups lately, you're missing the weirdest, most high-stakes drama in the Western Conference. It's not just about the standings. It’s about two teams that genuinely seem to enjoy getting under each other's skin.
The most recent clash on December 17, 2025, was a perfect example of how unpredictable this series has become. Minnesota entered the night at the Target Center as heavy 8.5-point favorites. They were rolling, having won seven of their last eight. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies were scratching and clawing to find some consistency after a brutal 4-11 start to the season.
Then the injuries hit.
Anthony Edwards—the guy everyone calls "Ant-Man"—was out with a nagging right foot injury. On the other side, Memphis was missing Ja Morant due to a left ankle sprain. You’d think a game missing its two biggest stars would be a dud, right? Wrong. The Grizzlies walked into Minneapolis and snatched a 116-110 win, largely thanks to Jaren Jackson Jr. putting up 28 points and 12 rebounds.
The Gritty History of Minnesota Timberwolves vs Grizzlies
This isn't just a random pairing. These two franchises have been locked in a statistical dead heat for years. Historically, the record is incredibly tight. Before their most recent runs, the Grizzlies held a razor-thin 56-55 lead in the all-time series.
They’ve both had these wild streaks, too. Memphis won 11 straight against the Wolves between 2010 and 2013. Minnesota countered with two separate 10-game winning streaks of their own back in the early 2000s and late 90s.
But the real fire started in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
That first-round series was chaotic. Memphis won 4-2, but the scoreboard didn't tell the whole story. The Grizzlies had to overcome double-digit fourth-quarter deficits in three of those four wins. It was soul-crushing for Wolves fans. Since then, every time these teams meet, it feels like a continuation of that playoff grudge.
Why the Wolves Struggle with Memphis
Even without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies play a style that irritates the Wolves. They rank 6th in the league for offensive rebounds. They play fast—really fast. In the December 17 game, Jock Landale was the surprise x-factor, hitting a career-high four 3-pointers.
Minnesota, on the other hand, prefers a slower, more deliberate pace. They have the second-most "lethargic" home offense in the league, according to some metrics. When Memphis forces them into a track meet, the Wolves often lose their composure.
Key Players and Matchup Nightmares
When these teams are healthy, the individual matchups are basically basketball porn.
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Anthony Edwards vs. Ja Morant
This is the headliner. Edwards is currently averaging 28.7 points per game, shooting a blistering 41.6% from deep. When he's on the floor, he’s an athletic force that Memphis struggles to contain. Ja Morant is the engine for the Grizzlies, though his scoring has dipped slightly this year to 17.7 PPG as he focuses more on playmaking (7.5 assists).
The Battle of the Bigs
You have Rudy Gobert, who leads the league in field goal percentage at 74.5% and is still a vacuum on the glass (10.3 rebounds). Then you have Jaren Jackson Jr., who is arguably the best help-side rim protector in the game today.
The Rise of Jaden McDaniels
Keep an eye on McDaniels. He’s basically evolved into a multi-level scorer right before our eyes. This season, he’s averaging a career-high 15.8 points. In the six games he played without Edwards recently, that number jumped to 21.5. He’s no longer just a "defensive specialist."
Strategic Shifts You Should Know
Basically, the Grizzlies have figured out that they can’t just out-muscle Minnesota's twin-tower look (Gobert and Julius Randle). Instead, they use pace. They try to get Gobert out in space where he’s less comfortable.
Julius Randle has been a massive addition for the Wolves, though. He’s averaging 23.1 points and nearly 6 assists. His ability to act as a point-forward creates mismatches that Memphis’s smaller wings, like Jaylen Wells or Cedric Coward, struggle to handle.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of casual fans think the Timberwolves are the vastly superior team because of their record (they’re currently 4th in the West, while Memphis is fighting for a play-in spot at 10th).
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But records go out the window in this series.
Memphis has covered the spread in 9 of their last 13 games. They are dangerous underdogs. Specifically, their defense has tightened up lately, holding opponents to just 44.4% from the field over their last five outings.
If you're looking at betting trends, Minnesota has been surprisingly shaky as a single-digit favorite at home, going 1-3 against the spread in those scenarios recently.
Upcoming Games to Circle on Your Calendar
If you want to catch the next chapter of this, the schedule is packed for early 2026:
- January 31, 2026: Minnesota travels to the FedExForum in Memphis.
- February 2, 2026: A quick rematch in Memphis—expect things to get chippy here.
- March 3, 2026: The final regular-season meeting back in Minneapolis.
By March, these games won't just be about pride. They’ll be about playoff seeding. Minnesota is chasing OKC and Denver for the Northwest Division lead, while Memphis is trying to avoid the lottery entirely.
Practical Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are analyzing the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Grizzlies, look past the final score.
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- Watch the Offensive Glass: If Memphis is getting 13+ offensive rebounds, the Wolves are likely in trouble, regardless of how well Ant-Man is scoring.
- The 3-Point Variance: Minnesota is 4th in the league in 3-point percentage (38.1%). If they hit their average, they usually win. If they go cold—like they did in the 4th quarter on Dec 17 (0 for 7)—they are beatable.
- McDaniels' Usage: When Edwards is out or double-teamed, Jaden McDaniels is the barometer. If he takes 12+ shots, the Wolves' offense is usually balanced enough to win.
The rivalry is alive because both teams feel they have something to prove. Minnesota wants to show the 2022 playoffs were a fluke. Memphis wants to prove they still belong in the elite tier of the West. Every time they step on the court, you can feel that tension.
Monitor the injury reports for the January 31st game. If both Morant and Edwards are active, it’s arguably the most entertaining ticket in the Western Conference. Focus on the battle between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Rudy Gobert in the paint; that's where the game will be won or lost. Check the live betting lines if the Wolves start slow, as they have shown a tendency to struggle with Memphis's initial tempo before adjusting in the second half.