The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Monday, February 2, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 AM IST. Both teams face significant injury concerns that could shape the outcome of this Western Conference matchup.
Minnesota will likely be without Terrence Shannon Jr. (left foot) and two-way players Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky. Anthony Edwards (back spasms) and Julius Randle (left thumb soreness) are listed as questionable, leaving the team’s core players uncertain for the contest.
Edwards is averaging 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season, while Randle contributes 22.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per outing. Their potential absence would test the Timberwolves’ depth behind Jaden McDaniels, who averages 14.9 points and 4.4 rebounds, and Donte DiVincenzo, contributing 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds. Rudy Gobert remains a stabilizing presence in the paint with 10.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
The Grizzlies are dealing with an even longer list of injuries. Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain), Santi Aldama (right knee), Brandon Clarke (right calf), Zach Edey (left ankle), John Konchar (anterior triangle contusion), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery) are all sidelined. Jaren Jackson Jr. (left quad contusion) is questionable for the matchup.
Morant is the team’s leading playmaker with 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game. Jackson Jr. averages 19.0 points and 5.8 rebounds, and his availability could significantly impact Memphis’ interior defense. Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells may be asked to shoulder more offensive responsibility, averaging 13.8 and 11.8 points per game, respectively.
Both teams are coming off their most recent clash on January 31 where Minnesota dominated Memphis 131-114 on the road. The Timberwolves have won four straight games and sit fifth in the Western Conference with a 31-19 record. Memphis has dropped six consecutive contests, ranking 12th at 18-29.
