Timberwolves vs Grizzlies: Injury-Plagued Western Conference Clash Set for January 31, 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to face the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31, 2026, in a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown. Both teams are grappling with multiple injury concerns, yet the game promises to remain fiercely competitive due to the proven talent on both rosters. This matchup highlights a classic contrast in basketball styles, with Minnesota emphasizing size and interior defense, while Memphis relies on guard play and a fast-paced offense.

Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report and Expected Lineup

Minnesota enters the game with a stronger overall record and a relatively healthier core group compared to their opponents. However, the Timberwolves are not without their own injury woes. Several rotation players are sidelined, though most key contributors are expected to be available.

Players Ruled Out:

Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG) — Suffering from a left foot abductor hallucis strain; expected to miss significant time.
Enrique Freeman (G-League two-way) — Ruled out without a specific designation.
Rocco Zikarsky (G-League two-way) — Also listed out on the official injury report.

Questionable / Game-Time Decisions:

Mike Conley (PG) — Dealing with back spasms; his status will depend on pregame evaluation.
Leonard Miller (F) — Battling back issues and could see limited minutes if he is active.

Star players Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle are all anticipated to suit up. If Conley is cleared to play, Minnesota will maintain a noticeable advantage in size and overall team balance, which could be pivotal in controlling the game's tempo.

Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report and Availability

Memphis has been plagued by injuries throughout the 2025–26 season, particularly affecting their frontcourt depth. This has forced the team to frequently adjust rotations and rely on younger players to step up.

Out / Long-Term Injuries:

Zach Edey (C) — Stress reaction in the left ankle; no clear return date has been established.
Brandon Clarke (F) — Grade 2 right calf strain; projected to return in four to six weeks.
Ty Jerome (SG) — High-grade right calf strain; out indefinitely.
Vince Williams Jr. (SG) — Left knee soreness; not expected to play in this matchup.

Day-to-Day:

Santi Aldama (F) — Managing a knee issue; often plays with managed minutes when active.

The Grizzlies will heavily depend on the dynamic duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., along with veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Younger talents such as Jaylen Wells and Scotty Pippen Jr. may see expanded roles depending on lineup needs and injury management.

Head-to-Head Record and Recent Meetings

Historically, Minnesota holds a slight edge in the all-time series against Memphis, and this trend has continued in recent seasons.

All-time regular season record: Timberwolves lead 58–55 (113 games played).
Last three seasons: Timberwolves lead 5–2 in head-to-head matchups.

The teams have already met once during the current season, with Minnesota securing a narrow victory. That game was highlighted by a 30-point performance from Anthony Edwards and a double-double from Rudy Gobert, underscoring how the Timberwolves' interior presence can effectively disrupt Memphis' preferred fast-paced tempo.

Minnesota Timberwolves Team Snapshot (2025–26 Season)

Minnesota is positioned in the upper half of the Western Conference, boasting consistent production on both offense and defense.

Record: Approximately 30–19 (.612 winning percentage).
Division rank: 3rd in the competitive Northwest Division.
Points per game: Around 115–117, placing them among the top 10 scoring teams in the league.
Team leaders:
- Anthony Edwards — Averages about 28.9 points per game, serving as the primary scorer.
- Rudy Gobert — Grabs roughly 11.4 rebounds per game, anchoring the defense.
- Julius Randle — Contributes around 5.7 assists per game, acting as a key facilitator.

Defense remains a cornerstone of Minnesota's success, with Gobert protecting the rim and Jaden McDaniels providing length and versatility on the perimeter.

Memphis Grizzlies Team Snapshot (2025–26 Season)

Memphis has experienced a decline in the standings compared to the previous season, largely attributed to persistent injuries and roster turnover.

Record: Approximately 18–28 (.391 winning percentage).
Conference position: Near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Points per game: Roughly 112–114, reflecting offensive challenges.
Team leaders:
- Ja Morant — Drives the offense with explosive transition scoring and pick-and-roll playmaking.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. — Offers shooting range and elite shot-blocking ability.

When healthy, the Grizzlies can defend effectively, but injuries to key frontcourt players like Edey, Clarke, and Aldama have diminished their interior depth, leading to vulnerabilities in rebounding and second-chance points for opponents.

Key Factors That Could Shape the Matchup

Interior Size vs Perimeter Attack: Gobert and Randle provide Minnesota with a formidable presence in the paint. Memphis may need to rely more heavily on outside shooting if they struggle to score inside against Minnesota's stout defense.

Three-Point Shooting: If Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo can convert from beyond the arc, it will force Memphis' defense to stretch, potentially opening driving lanes for Minnesota's playmakers.

Tempo Control: Memphis prefers a faster pace orchestrated by Ja Morant. Minnesota, especially if Mike Conley is available, may aim to slow the game down, leveraging their size advantage to control rebounding and limit transition opportunities.

Fantasy and Betting Outlook

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle remain reliable fantasy options due to their consistent production.
Mike Conley carries some risk because of his questionable status but offers significant value if he is cleared to play.

Memphis Grizzlies:

Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are top fantasy choices, given their central roles in the offense and defense.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jaylen Wells gain increased importance if injuries lead to expanded minutes for supporting players.

Game Expectations and Final Thoughts

This matchup is projected to be a physical contest with a moderate pace, heavily influenced by Minnesota's defensive prowess. The Timberwolves enter as the more complete team, holding a slight health advantage. If Mike Conley is able to play, Minnesota should be well-positioned to control rebounding and dictate the tempo of the game.

Memphis will rely on Ja Morant's scoring explosiveness and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s two-way impact to keep the game within reach. The stark contrast between Minnesota's interior defense and Memphis' guard-driven offense is expected to make for a compelling and competitive battle on the court.