Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves – Preview & Prediction (Jan. 31, 2026)
Game preview
Memphis hosts Minnesota on January 31 in a matchup that feels like a test of depth more than anything else. The Grizzlies have hit a rough patch — five straight losses — and sit well back in the West with an 18–28 record. Injuries have been a recurring theme: their best player has missed a lot of time this season and several other rotation pieces have been sidelined at different points, forcing the team to run shorter rotations and lean on younger players.
Despite the skid, Memphis hasn’t completely fallen apart offensively. Over the recent stretch they’ve produced enough to sit around the middle of the league offensively, and a few players have stood out. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a steady presence, Jock Landale has been providing a nice scoring boost recently, and rookie Cedric Coward has offered some encouraging play. The Grizzlies’ main problem has been defense and lapses in key stretches — notably a brutal third quarter in their last outing — which has cost them chances to stay competitive.
Minnesota form and strengths
The Timberwolves have bounced back from their own rough patch. After a five-game slide they’ve put together a three-game winning run, including solid wins over strong opponents. Minnesota sits near the top half of the West with a 30–19 record, and their recent resurgence has come with an emphasis on improved defense.
When they’ve been at their best lately, the Wolves have gotten big shooting nights and contributions from multiple guys. Anthony Edwards has been leading the way offensively, while players like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid have hit important shots from deep. Over the last handful of games they’ve graded out well on the defensive end, though their offense has looked inconsistent in small samples. Still, with the roster clicking they’ve shown they can heat up quickly and put pressure on opponents.
Injuries, recent meeting and prediction
The two teams already met once this season, with Memphis taking a 116–110 road win. For this game, Memphis remains without several starters and rotation players, while Minnesota is missing a few veteran contributors as well. Expect each side to rely on bench players and youngsters to pick up extra minutes.
Given Memphis’ recent defensive struggles but slightly better offensive output and Minnesota’s tendency to lean on streaky shooting, this feels like a game that could stay closer than some expect. I’m siding with Memphis to keep it within the handicap.
Tip-off: Saturday, Jan. 31 — 8:00 p.m. EST
Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies +8.5 (expect a competitive game; Grizzlies to cover)
