3 intriguing storylines for Grizzlies, Wolves Nov. 11 primetime ESPN game
By Jack Hampton
When the 2022-23 NBA schedule came out, Memphis Grizzlies fans circled two teams on their calendars: the games against the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now, the day has finally come for Minnesota to come back to Memphis. This Friday night at 8:30 PM CT, the rematch of last year’s first-round playoff series will be taking place at FedEx Forum.
The Grizzlies are looking to get their fifth win in six games, and the Timberwolves are seeking revenge after falling in the first round of last season’s playoffs. One thing remains— there are still some incredible storylines to track in this exciting matchup, some old and some new.
Memphis Grizzlies big man Steven Adams looking for redemption vs Timberwolves after 2021 playoff debacle
Maybe the biggest storyline for the Grizzlies in their playoff run last season was the benching of Steven Adams. After Adams played just three minutes in Game 2, Taylor Jenkins decided to start Xavier Tillman for the remainder of the series. Obviously, it ended up being the right decision.
Karl Anthony-Towns has always been a matchup nightmare for Adams dating back to his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, this season, the 10th-year big man may not have to guard Towns in this matchup.
The Timberwolves made a lot of off-season noise with their blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert, but it hasn’t paid off yet. The addition of Gobert changes their matchup advantage with the Grizzlies drastically.
Now, Adams will likely bang down low where he is comfortable with Gobert, and Santi Aldama or Dillon Brooks will start on Towns. The former Jazz center will still be a handful for Adams but is nowhere close to the perimeter big that gave the Grizzlies such a headache a year prior.
Grizzlies fans should expect Adams to be in the starting lineup, fighting with Gobert to replicate his 19-rebound game against the Spurs.