You know that feeling when you walk into a gym and you can just tell two teams actually, genuinely dislike each other? That’s the vibe every time the Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves matchup hits the schedule. It’s not just about the standings. It’s about two small-market squads that spent years being the NBA’s punching bags finally finding their teeth at the exact same time.
Honestly, this isn't your typical "respectful" rivalry. It’s loud. It’s petty. It’s a literal battle of the beasts.
What’s the deal with the 2025-2026 season?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Western Conference lately, you’ve seen a weird flip-flop in momentum. Minnesota has been sitting pretty near the top of the Northwest Division, sporting a 20-10 record as of mid-January 2026. They’ve basically built a fortress around Anthony Edwards and a "next-man-up" culture that makes them incredibly hard to kill.
Then you have Memphis.
Man, Memphis has had a rough go. They entered late December 2025 sitting at a dismal 12-14, looking like a team that couldn't catch a break if it was handed to them on a silver platter. But then, on December 17, 2025, something clicked. They rolled into the Target Center and snatched a 116-110 win right out of the Wolves' paws. Jaren Jackson Jr. went off for 28 points, and Jock Landale—of all people—hit a career-high four triples. It was the kind of gritty, "Grit and Grind" win that reminded everyone why this team is so annoying to play against.
The Ja Morant vs Anthony Edwards dynamic
This is the heart of the whole thing. You've got two of the most explosive, "did-he-just-do-that" athletes in the world leading these franchises. But their paths lately couldn't be more different.
Anthony Edwards is currently the sun that the Timberwolves orbit. He's been averaging nearly 29 points a game this season, shooting 41% from deep. He's become the "adult" in the room, even if he still talks trash like a kid on a playground. On the flip side, Ja Morant's season has been a stop-and-start nightmare. He’s missed huge chunks of time—21 games already this season—with a calf contusion and an ankle sprain.
When Ja is on the floor, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves game is a track meet. When he's out, it becomes a chess match where Memphis tries to drag Minnesota into the mud.
- The Scoring Gap: Minnesota averages about 119 points per game this season (ranked 4th in the league).
- The Paint War: Memphis survives by being monsters on the glass, ranking 4th in total rebounds per game.
- The Turnover Bug: Both teams have a habit of being sloppy. In their December matchup, Minnesota coughed it up 15 times. Memphis? They were slightly better at 12.
The trade rumors that almost broke the internet
There was some wild chatter back in late 2025 about Minnesota actually looking to trade for Ja Morant. Can you imagine? Some analysts, like those over at Dunking With Wolves, were screaming from the rooftops that it would be a disaster. The logic was simple: why blow up a rotation that has the 5th-best record in the NBA for a star who has missed over 150 games in the last five seasons? Thankfully, the Wolves' front office reportedly stayed away, preferring to keep their depth intact.
Why this matchup feels personal
Maybe it’s the Mike Conley connection. Watching "Minnesota Mike" lead the Wolves after being the soul of the Grizzlies for a decade still feels a little bit like seeing your ex with someone way more successful. Grizzlies fans still love him, but it adds a layer of "we need to beat these guys" to every game.
Minnesota plays with a sort of finesse and speed that drives the Grizzlies' old-school defense crazy. When Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle are clicking, the Wolves look like a championship favorite. But Memphis has this weird habit of playing up to their competition. They might lose to a lottery team on Tuesday and then beat the Wolves on Wednesday because the lights are brighter.
Real-world stats you should know
The historical record is about as close as it gets. StatMuse puts the all-time regular season and playoff record at 58-60 in favor of the Timberwolves. It’s a coin flip.
| Stat | Memphis Grizzlies | Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (Season) | 115.2 | 119.9 |
| Defensive Rating | Mid-pack | Elite (Top 10) |
| Star Health | Questionable / Out | Mostly Stable |
What really happens on the court?
Most people think this is just about Ja and Ant. It’s not. It’s actually about the role players. In that December win for Memphis, it wasn't just JJJ. It was Jaylen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope doing the dirty work.
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Minnesota's biggest weakness against Memphis is often their own complacency. They’ll get up by 10 and then start taking "hero ball" threes. Memphis, meanwhile, is like a zombie—you have to actually finish them off or they’ll just keep coming. They outscored Minnesota 30-21 in the third quarter of their last meeting, which is usually when the Wolves are supposed to put teams away.
Looking ahead: What you should watch for
If you're betting on or just watching the next installment of Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves, keep your eyes on the injury report. It sounds boring, but it's the whole story. As of mid-January 2026, the Grizzlies' list of walking wounded is long: Zach Edey is out with an ankle stress reaction, and Scotty Pippen Jr. is still recovering from toe surgery.
- Check the "Point of Attack" defense. If Jaden McDaniels can frustrate whoever Memphis is starting at point guard, the Grizzlies' offense tends to crumble into a series of contested mid-rangers.
- Watch the offensive glass. Memphis needs those second-chance points to survive. If Gobert is disciplined and doesn't chase blocks, Memphis loses their lifeline.
- Monitor the "Ant-Meter." If Edwards starts the game with two quick dunks, it’s usually over. If he starts by settling for contested jumpers, Memphis has a chance to stay close.
This rivalry is basically the NBA's version of a backyard brawl. It’s not always pretty, and someone is probably going to get a technical foul for talking too much, but you can’t look away.
Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the official NBA injury reports about two hours before tip-off for their next meeting on January 31, 2026. If Ja Morant is cleared to play, expect the over/under to jump significantly as the pace of the game will likely skyrocket. You should also watch the "Points in the Paint" battle early in the first quarter; if Memphis is winning that stat by +6 or more, they are likely to cover the spread.