MINNEAPOLIS - The Grizzlies (20-31) open a three-game trip in frigid Minnesota, where minus-28 degree temperatures set the scene for Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves (24-26) at the Target Center.
Bear Necessities is a game-day spotlight on some Grizzlies notes of note to stay informed entering tonight's matchup.
Here are a few things to watch:
- The Grizzlies are looking to snap a seven-game road losing streak and pick up their first win away from home since a 107-99 victory over LeBron James and the Lakers on Dec. 23. Memphis has dropped 11 of its last 12 on the road, and follows Wednesday’s game with stops to face Charlotte on Friday and New York on Sunday. Among the Grizzlies’ eight road wins this season is a 100-87 victory on Nov. 18 against the Timberwolves.
- Grizzlies rookie forward Jaren Jackson Jr. missed Wednesday morning’s shootaround and is listed questionable for the game against the Timberwolves as he copes with symptoms of food poisoning. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the team wanted to keep Jackson at the hotel for rest and to try to hydrate and eat. Jackson, the fourth overall pick in last summer’s NBA Draft, is the only Grizzlies player yet to miss a Memphis game this season. On Tuesday, Jackson was selected to participate at next month’s All-Star Weekend in Charlotte as part of the MTN DEW ICE Rising Stars game after averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks through his first 51 games.
- Mike Conley has played 768 career games over 11 years, but enters Wednesday’s game against Minnesota coming off a career first. He posted at least 20 points and 10 assists in consecutive games for the first time in Monday's loss to Denver that followed Saturday’s win over Indiana. Conley is in the midst of one of his most productive stretches of the season, having averaged 22.4 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field the past five games.
- The Grizzlies are shooting 41.0 percent on corner three-pointers (11th in the NBA) since Justin Holiday’s Jan. 5 debut with the team after being acquired in a trade from Chicago. Before Holiday’s arrival, Memphis was last in the league in that area, shooting just 32.7 percent on corner threes. In his 13 games with the Grizzlies, Holiday is shooting 47.4 percent on corner threes.
- In addition to Jackson Jr. now considered a game-time decision, the Grizzlies are listing Dillon Brooks (toe surgery), Garrett Temple (shoulder sprain) and Omri Casspi (knee soreness) as out for Wednesday’s game. JaMychal Green (knee) was listed as questionable, but participated in shootaround and is expected to play. The Timberwolves are listing Derrick Rose (ankle) as questionable, while Robert Covington (knee), Tyus Jones (ankle) and Jeff Teague (foot) are out.
For the Grizzlies complete game notes, check here: Grizzlies Game Notes