Timberwolves vs Grizzlies (Image via Getty) The Minnesota Timberwolves face the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup between two teams managing several injuries. Even with players unavailable on both sides, the game features enough proven talent to remain competitive.Minnesota comes in with the stronger record and a healthier core group. Memphis, meanwhile, continues to adjust its rotations because of long-term injuries. The difference in styles is clear and that is the Timberwolves rely on size and interior defense, while the Grizzlies depend heavily on guard play and pace.
Minnesota Timberwolves injury report and expected lineup vs Memphis Grizzlies (January 31, 2026)
Minnesota is missing a few rotation players, but most of its main contributors are expected to play.Out • Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG) – 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 report.Questionable / Game-time decisions • Mike Conley (PG) – Back spasms; status depends on pregame evaluation. • Leonard Miller (F) – Dealing with back issues and could see limited minutes if active.Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle are all expected to suit up. If Conley is cleared, Minnesota keeps a noticeable advantage in size and overall balance.
Memphis Grizzlies injury report and availability vs Minnesota Timberwolves (January 31, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies have dealt with injuries throughout the season, particularly in the frontcourt.
Out / Long-term
• Zach Edey (C) – Stress reaction in the left ankle; no clear return date. • Brandon Clarke (F) – Grade 2 right calf strain; projected 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.
Day-to-day
• Santi Aldama (F) – Knee issue; often plays with managed minutes.The Grizzlies are expected to rely on Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Younger players such as Jaylen Wells and Scotty Pippen Jr. could take on larger roles depending on lineup needs.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies Head-to-head record and recent meetings
Minnesota has a slight edge in the all-time series and has performed better in recent matchups.CategoryRecord All-time regular season Timberwolves lead 58-55 (113 games) Last three seasons Timberwolves lead 5-2The teams have already met once this season. Minnesota won a close game behind a 30-point effort from Anthony Edwards and a double-double from Rudy Gobert. The result reflected how the Timberwolves’ interior presence can slow Memphis’ preferred tempo.
Minnesota Timberwolves team snapshot (2025-26)
Minnesota sits in the upper half of the Western Conference with consistent production on both ends of the floor.CategoryStat Record Around 30–19 (.612) Division rank 3rd in the Northwest Points per game Approximately 115–117 (top 10 in the league)
Team leaders
• Anthony Edwards – About 28.9 points per game; primary scorer. • Rudy Gobert – Roughly 11.4 rebounds per game; anchors the defense. • Julius Randle – Around 5.7 assists per game; key facilitator.Minnesota’s defense remains one of its strengths. Gobert protects the rim, while Jaden McDaniels adds length on the perimeter.
Memphis Grizzlies team snapshot (2025-26)
Memphis has slipped in the standings compared to last season, largely because of injuries and roster turnover.CategoryStat Record Around 18–28 (.391) Conference position Near the bottom of the West Points per game Roughly 112–114Team leaders • Ja Morant – Drives the offense with transition scoring and pick-and-roll play. • Jaren Jackson Jr. – Provides shooting range and shot-blocking.The Grizzlies can still defend effectively when healthy, but injuries to Edey, Clarke, and Aldama have reduced frontcourt depth and contributed to more second-chance points for opponents.
Key factors that could shape the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies matchup
Interior size vs perimeter attack
Gobert and Randle give Minnesota a strong presence inside. Memphis may have to rely more on outside shooting if it struggles to score in the paint.
Three-point shooting
If Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo convert from long range, Memphis’ defense will need to stretch, which could open driving lanes.
Tempo
Memphis prefers a faster pace led by Morant. Minnesota may try to slow the game, especially if Conley is available to run the offense.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies Fantasy and betting outlook (January 31, 2026)
Minnesota
• Edwards, Gobert, and Randle remain dependable fantasy options. • Conley carries some risk because of his questionable status but offers value if he plays.
Memphis
• Morant and Jackson Jr. remain top choices. • Caldwell-Pope and Wells gain importance if injuries lead to increased minutes.
Minnesota Timberwovels vs Memphis Grizzlies Game expectation (January 31, 2026)
The matchup projects as physical with a moderate pace. Minnesota’s defense could influence the scoring level, particularly if the Timberwolves have their full backcourt. Minnesota enters the game as the more complete team and holds a slight health advantage. If Mike Conley plays, the Timberwolves should be in a strong position to control rebounding and tempo.Memphis will depend on Morant’s scoring and Jackson Jr.’s two-way impact to stay within reach. The contrast between Minnesota’s interior defense and Memphis’ guard-driven offense should keep the contest competitive.