NBA Game of the Week: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies

In a blink of an eye, the NBA playoffs are set to start on April, 19. Two teams on the verge of clinching their playoff bids will face each other on Thursday, April 10, at 9:30 p.m.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will finish up their five-game road trip visiting the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies currently sit at 47-32 while the Timberwolves are 46-33 after a loss to the Bucks on Tuesday.

Aside from their loss, Minnesota has had a good stretch, as they've gone 6-4 in their last 10 games. The most notable victory out of these was their last-second thriller against the Denver Nuggets.

The Timberwolves offense is led by shooting guard Anthony Edwards, who is currently averaging 27.4 points per game. Right behind him is Julius Randle, who has averaged 18.7 PPG in his first year with his new squad.

In terms of defense, the Timberwolves have one of the most efficient frontcourts in the league with Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.

Gobert leads these three in terms of rebounding, as he has averaged 10.9 RPG. He is also coming off a season-high, 19 rebounds against the 76ers.

Switching gears to the Grizzlies, who have been struggling as of late. They have dropped six of their last 10 games.

After missing some time with multiple injuries and an illness, Ja Morant is expected to suit up on Thursday. Without Morant this season, the Grizzlies have gone 17-14.

Morant is the heart and soul of this team’s offense. He leads the Grizzlies with 22.9 PPG and 7.3 APG.

His partner in crime is Jaren Jackson Jr. who is a staple on both sides of the ball. Jackson Jr. currently averages 22.3 PPG and 5.8 RPG.

The Grizzlies currently lead the season series against the Timberwolves, 2-0. During their second matchup, Jackson Jr. put up 15 in the fourth quarter to lead his squad to a 108-106 victory.

Not only would a win allow Memphis to sweep Minnesota on the year, but it would also give them a chance to jump them in the standings. As of now, the Western Conference is so tight that the No. seed is just two games ahead of the No. 8 seed.

These are two teams that could very well be in the Play-In tournament, meaning that they could face each other again in just a few weeks.

However, these teams hope to avoid the tournament altogether, so they don’t risk missing the actual playoffs.

There are plenty of implications for this game, including a playoff berth for both teams. Not to mention, two of the NBA’s most talented stars, Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards will battle it out head-to-head, to keep their team's seasons alive.

Both of these squads will look to get themselves into the win column Thursday night and instill confidence in themselves just in time for playoffs.

With 10 days remaining in the regular season, the Western Conference is in for one wild finish.

Chase Brosend is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email czb5975@psu.edu.