Memphis Grizzlies: A position-by-position playoff matchup guide vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Memphis Grizzlies matchup No 4: Desmond Bane vs D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell

Stats: 18.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 7.1 APG, 16.36 PER
Size: 6’4″ and 193 lbs
Experience: 6 years

Desmond Bane

Stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 17.62 PER
Size: 6’5″ and 215 lbs
Experience: 1 year

D’Angelo Russell has matured into a steady-handed point guard that can score and take over a game when necessary.

Russell has a high basketball IQ and sets his teammates up brilliantly. His pick and roll game is hard to stop as he is capable of freezing defenders and popping up for a quick shot or making acrobatic passes while in the air.

Bane, on the other hand, is one of the best shooters in the NBA. He has one of the best 3PT% in the entire league, knocking down 43.6% of his shots from beyond the arc.

While Ja Morant was out of the lineup this season, Bane was typically the team’s No. 1 option on offense. He’s so good at getting to the basket and drawing contact. Anytime you have a 45-40-90 shooter on your squad, you’re in great shape.

This matchup is so hard to forecast because their games are so different. Bane thrives without the ball in his hands, but Russell is most effective when he’s commanding the pace of the game.

Bane struggled against the Timberwolves this season, averaging 17.3 PPG on 26.7% from 3PT range.

Russell averaged 31.0 PPG while shooting 55% from the field and 45% from 3PT in four games vs Memphis this season. That’s why we’re giving him the slight edge in this matchup.

Winner: D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves