Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
The Memphis brass rolled the dice on Allen Iverson this offseason and ended up leaving the casino with empty hands. Iverson was regulated to mostly a bench role while never finding comfort alongside the young roster. Nevertheless, the Answer has departed and Memphis moves forward with the rebuilding effort around a solid group of talented players. Since the two teams met on November 14, the Grizzlies are 4-4 but losers of two straight games to conclude the month. Memphis captured an impressive 106-96 victory over Portland last Friday in its biggest win of the season. Statistically speaking, the Grizzlies rank in the middle of the back in average points per game.
Last Meeting:
With Al Jefferson attending a funeral, Minnesota fell to Memphis on November 14 97-87. The road loss dropped the Wolves to 1-10 after they were outrebounded 46-36.
Backcourt:
31-year old point guard Jamaal Tinsley was signed to create some depth in the backcourt after Iverson rolled out of town. Mike Conley is suffering from a left shoulder strain, which has allowed an opportunity for Tinsley to step into the starting lineup. Tinsley scored eight points and dished out seven assists in 30 minutes of court time on Monday night. Despite off the court issues, Tinsley is a veteran guard with great court vision. However, his presence tonight will not necessarily change the gameplan for rookie Jonny Flynn. In the last meeting in Memphis, Flynn committed six turnovers and finished with 10 points in the loss. Flynn recorded six assists against Denver on Sunday, only coughing up two turnovers in a clear display of improvement. At the shooting guard spot, Minnesota will rely on Corey Brewer's defensive skills to defend second-year star O.J. Mayo. On November 14, Mayo drained 50 percent of his shots from the field and 3-point line for a 19-point performance against the Wolves. Mayo possesses a silky-smooth jumper on the perimeter, including an ability to light up the scoreboard on any given night.
Frontcourt:
The Grizzlies leading scorer, Rudy Gay is questionable tonight after he left the team for a funeral. At 6-8, Gay presents matchup problems at the small forward spot due to his long range and athletic prowess. Against Utah, Memphis started rookie Sam Young, who worked out for the Wolves prior to the NBA Draft. Young is similar to Gay; he enjoys scoring in an up-tempo style and defending multiple positions on the floor. For Minnesota, head coach Kurt Rambis will likely lean towards sticking with the starters that stunned Denver on Sunday night. Damien Wilkins replaced Ryan Hollins in the starting lineup and produced 15 points, 12 boards, and six assists. Oddly enough, Wilkins also started in the game opener against New Jersey in which he scored 12 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and the game-winner. At the small forward position, Wilkins provides consistency on both ends of the floor to stabilize this young Wolves roster. Centers Marc Gasol and Jefferson will battle in the post tonight. Both players can score with a variety of moves but Gasol utilizes power over raw skill to damage opponents in the paint. After being held to just five points and three boards against Utah, expect a determined Gasol tonight.
What To Look For:
The Wolves enter the Target Center with the refreshing feeling of trying to jumpstart a winning streak in contrast to end a long losing skid. After toppling a contender on Sunday, Minnesota faces a favorable matchup against a shorthanded Memphis team. Jefferson missed the first meeting against the Grizzlies and he will obviously have an effect on the outcome of tonight's game. The Wolves will have plenty of scoring opportunities as Memphis allows the fourth most points per game and they rank No. 1 in turnovers.
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