1st Round Playoff Preview Memphis V.S. Minnesota

It’s a matchup of two young teams that are likely still a year or two and a piece or two away from their championship window. A huge factor in this series will be the health of the Grizzlies, as they have had almost their entire starting lineup miss time with minor ailments in the last week of the season.

They are an incredible defensive team when the Grizzlies are at full strength. There is probably no better defensive frontcourt in the league with Steven Adams and emerging star Jaren Jackson. On the flip side, the Timberwolves lean heavily on their big three but do not have much help outside of them.

Prediction: Grizzlies

As long as the Grizzlies are close to full strength, they are the better defensive team, the deeper team, and have the best player in the series Ja Morant. As a legit MVP candidate, Morant has gone from an elite Rookie year to a slightly better sophomore to his third year. Morant could cement his top-five player status in the league with a strong playoff performance.