Edwards and Morant Missing in Key Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Clash
When discussing the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies, two names inevitably rise to the forefront: Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant. As the respective No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2020 and 2019 NBA Drafts, they embody the future of their franchises. However, neither star will be in action for the highly anticipated matchup at Target Center on Wednesday night.
Edwards Continues to Sit Out
Anthony Edwards will miss his third consecutive game due to a foot injury. This follows absences during the Timberwolves’ victories over the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. With a challenging matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder looming on Friday, there is cautious optimism among Wolves fans that Edwards is using this time to recover.
So far this season, Edwards has missed a total of six full games while also exiting one other early. When on the court, he has been a force for Minnesota, averaging a career-high 28.7 points per game. His efficiency has been notable, shooting 50 percent from the field, 41.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Timberwolves have posted a 13-7 record with him in the lineup, contrasting with a 4-2 mark in games without him.
Conley Joins the Injured List
Adding to the Timberwolves’ challenges, veteran point guard Mike Conley will also be sidelined for a third straight game. In his absence, Bones Hyland will continue to step into a significant role, having started in Conley’s place recently. In the Timberwolves’ last outing against Sacramento, Hyland showcased his potential, contributing 18 points and 5 assists. He will be joined in the starting lineup by Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert, who returns after attending the birth of his daughter.
Morant’s Ongoing Struggles
On the other side, Ja Morant will be unavailable for the Grizzlies due to an ankle injury. Ironically, Morant’s absence could prove beneficial for the Timberwolves. The Grizzlies have struggled with a 5-9 record when Morant plays, yet they have found a rhythm, going 7-5 without him this season.
Morant’s performance has been below his usual standards, averaging just 17.7 points and 7.5 assists per game, while shooting a disappointing 35.7 percent overall and 19.4 percent from three-point range. This is a stark contrast to his standout season in 2021-22, when he was named the Most Improved Player and earned a second-team All-NBA selection. Since then, injuries and suspensions have hindered his career progress, impacting the Grizzlies, who have not won a playoff series since overcoming the Timberwolves in the first round two seasons ago.
Grizzlies Find Depth Beyond Morant
Despite Morant’s challenges, the Grizzlies possess a balanced roster with seven players other than him averaging double figures in scoring. Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, and Jock Landale are key contributors in the frontcourt, while Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells, and rookie Cedric Coward provide support in the backcourt. Notably, Spencer is coming off a strong performance, scoring 27 points in a recent win over the Clippers.
Memphis has rebounded well since a rocky start, winning 8 of their last 11 games after beginning the season with a 4-11 record. As they prepare to face the Timberwolves—who are favored by 7.5 points for Wednesday’s 7 p.m. CT matchup—both teams will have to navigate the absence of their star players, making this game a test of depth and resilience in the early season.
