Our experts predict Grizzlies’ 1st-round series
Playoff basketball returns to Memphis on Saturday, when the No. 2 seed Grizzlies host the No. 7 Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 (2:30 p.m., ESPN/BALLY Sports Southeast) of their first-round series.
The Grizzlies split the regular-season series with the Timberwolves, with the home team winning each game. Both teams are led by transcendent young stars in Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards.
The Timberwolves and Grizzlies were the two highest-scoring teams this season in terms of points per game. The Grizzlies are one of four teams that finished in the NBA'S top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency.
TNT'S “Inside the NBA” crew made their bold predictions, which some Grizzlies fans might not like. Here's how The Commercial Appeal sports staff thinks the Grizzlies' first-round series will go.
Damichael Cole, Grizzlies beat reporter
Grizzlies over Timberwolves, 4-2: Both teams like to create turnovers and get out in transition. The Grizzlies have more depth for this up-and-down series, plus Dillon Brooks‘ return will slow down one of Minnesota's lethal backcourt scorers enough for the Grizzlies to win in six games.
Evan Barnes, Commercial Appeal sports reporter
Grizzlies over Timberwolves, 4-2: Both teams are brash, young, electric to watch and put up points in bunches. This will be a tight battle but Desmond Bane's emergence and a healthy Dillon Brooks – who didn't face Minnesota due to injuries this season – will be the difference. The Grizzlies win their first playoff series since 2015.
Mark Giannotto, Commercial Appeal columnist
Grizzlies over Timberwolves, 4-1: Minnesota presents intriguing matchups for the Grizzlies because of its three young stars. There could be some hairy moments in the series. But the Memphis roster is better top to bottom and Minnesota never faced Dillon Brooks this season. The Grizzlies should move on.