Memphis has a chance to accomplish something the team hasn't done in a long time. The Grizzlies have beaten the TimberWolves three times this season and a win tonight in Minneapolis would complete a sweep of the season series. The last time the Grizzlies swept the same team four times in a season was the 2005-06 season when the Grizzlies swept the Houston Rockets. Of course it won't be easy as the Grizzlies are 1-10 in the 2nd game of back to backs this season. Throw on top of that the terrible performance the Grizzlies had against Houston who thrashed the Grizzlies into their worst home loss of the season after the Cavs put a similar beating on the Grizzlies in their last game out. Memphis is obviously tired as their starters have played more than most starters around the league. With the All-Star break fast approaching and the Grizzlies in the midst of the playoff hunt this is no time for fatigue.

Minnesota is returning home after a game Friday night in Dallas. Heading into the Dallas game the TWolves were showing some signs of life at home with back to back wins against the Clippers and Knicks and only a pair of two point loss to New Orleans (with a healthy Chris Paul) and Oklahoma City. The team is playing much better at home so this game shouldn't be taken lightly. Just ask Dallas who were shocked by the Timberwolves Friday night in Dallas. Minnesota has a three game winning streak going and would love to enter the all-star break with that winning streak intact. Minnesota's run began with the benching of Kevin Love who has responded well to the benching and enables the Wolves to put in a taller front line that makes it more difficult for teams to score inside. 

Position Analysis:

 
Point Guards: Mike Conley vs Johnny Flynn
Last night Mike Conley had to face a fast, small guard without even a hint of fear in his game. Tonight it's one in the same as Johnny Flynn takes his fast paced attacking style to Conley. Unlike Brooks however Flynn is not nearly as efficient and Conley has held up well against the rookie this year.  Conley was hot in the first half of the Rockets game but ineffective in the 2nd offensively including an ugly air ball from about 10 feet out. His defense was improved in holding Aaron Brooks below his season average however. 

Advantage: Memphis

 
Shooting Guards: O J Mayo vs Corey Brewer
Mayo's had to play against some of the toughest defensive SG's in the league this week. First Kobe, then Anthony Parker. Trevor Ariza and now Corey Brewer. It is hard to find four better defenders then these guys. The good news for Mayo is that his defense has improved lately. However his offense has fallen off and one has to wonder how the minutes are affecting his legs on his jump shot. Brewer is not a great offensive player but can hit open shots out to the three point line and his defense is excellent for a SG. 

Advantage: Minnesota

 
Small Forwards: Rudy Gay vs Ryan Gomes

Rudy Gay has been the one consistent offensive threat for the Grizzlies over the last few games since his lackluster effort in the loss to New Orleans. Rudy seems to be stronger at this point of the season than in previous years and is playing with a chip on his shoulder over his lack of attention for an all-star spot. Ryan Gomes is a solid combo forward who uses his strength against weaker forwards and his speed against larger ones. Rudy has had good success against Gomes in the past since he has the size and strength to match Gomes and the agilty and speed to get past him as well. 

Advantage: Memphis

 
Power Forwards: Zach Randolph vs Al Jefferson

Zach Randolph is happy to be on the all-star team. Maybe too happy. In his last two games Randolph has 24 pts and 12 rebounds in the last two games combined. Randolph had been averaging that per game. Maybe it's fatigue but more likely it is simply that teams are focusing hard on keeping Randolph in check and the backcourt isn't punishing teams when they double down. Al Jefferson has recovered from his knee surgery last season and is becoming the beast down low he was before the injury. Jefferson had his streak of three consecutive double-doubles snapped in Dallas but still was punishing inside. 

Advantage: Memphis

 
Centers: Marc Gasol vs Ryan Hollins

Hollins provides the Timber Wolves with a shot blocking presence absent when Love and Jefferson started together. That's not to say that Hollins is a great shot blocker. He's not. It's just that his size deters smaller players in the lane which neither Jefferson nor Love could do at all. Hollins has been more effective offensively as a starter however averaging over 10 ppg. Gasol has suffered lately from lack of respect the refs as he has taken an enormous amount of punishment without getting many calls. Gasol will have to play through this to regain the respect. Gasol has continued to be effective despite the pounding. Perhaps no other player on the Grizzlies needs the break more than Gasol. 

Advantage: Memphis

 
Benches: Memphis vs Minnesota

No surprise here but Memphis' bench is outmatched by their opponents. With Kevin Love and Damien Wilkins moved to the bench the TWolves have talent and experience ready to play when the starters need a breather. Love especially has taken well to the benching. Ramon Sessions brings aggressive point guard play but still hasn't developed a decent outside shot which negates his effectiveness in the triangle offense. Memphis' bench was helped by the return of Sam Young and the hot shooting of Lester Hudson in his absence but overall the bench is a mess. Carroll can't find his shot, Thabeet can't hold onto the ball and very few teams are biting on Young's fakes which makes him less effective on the court. 

Advantage: Minnesota

Other Commentary: 
TWolves Blog

Beyond the Arc 
Grizzed by VanJulio 
Straight Out of Vancouver 
David Loves the Grizzlies
Grizzfans.com