The Memphis Grizzlies have found their stride after struggling out the gates this postseason. The Grizzlies now lead the series 3-2 and are back to their usual on-court production and swagger. The victory in Game 5 occurred on a game-winning layup by Ja Morant after a great performance by the Timberwolves. The job is not done as the two teams will travel to Minnesota with the Timberwolves season on the line.
3 Grizzlies predictions for Game 6 vs Timberwolves
Dillon Brooks scores 22+ points
While Ja Morant is certainly the lightning of this Grizzlies team, Dillon Brooks is the thunder right behind him. The Oregon product was second on the team in scoring this season at 18.4 points per game. Brooks has struggled with his shooting in the series connecting on just 35.1% of his shot attempts and shooting 27.6% from beyond the arc. While he has scored 24 points twice in the series, Brooks has failed to assert himself in his typical way and shot just 50% from the floor in each of these matchups.
It has not hurt the Grizzlies much in this series, but it will be an issue if Dillon Brooks does not play like his usual self moving forward. The 6'7 guard had a particularly poor performance in Game 5. Brooks shot just 3 of 18 from the field and was just 1 of 10 on three-point attempts. He ended the game with 8 points which was the second time this series he ended in single figures. Look for the Grizzlies to continue to get him involved and work through the shooting struggles. Expect Dillon Brooks to get back to the player he is capable of being and pour in at least 22 points in the Game 6 matchup.
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Karl Anthony-Towns will be held under 18 points
It has been a terrific series for the Timberwolves' big man. Karl Anthony-Towns is averaging 22.6 points and 11 rebounds per game while shooting 52.6% on three-point attempts. There have been moments where Towns has looked as locked in as he has been throughout his entire career. The Kentucky product is connecting at an unsustainable rate on his perimeter shooting which has helped keep the Timberwolves in it.
One adjustment the Grizzlies should make is by giving Jaren Jackson Jr more extended time on KAT. Memphis has been unable to do this for long stretches of time due to the foul trouble that Jackson has consistently been in. Through 5 games this series Jackson has tallied 26 personal fouls. Foul trouble has been a common theme in Jackson's game, but not to the extent that has been seen this postseason.
Look for the Grizzlies' big man to avoid early fouls and be able to give Towns his best effort. Jaren Jackson Jr has the rare combination of size and speed to stick with KAT so it is important he stays on the floor. Brandon Clarke has been given extended minutes on KAT but does not comfortably defend the perimeter in the way Jackson is capable of. An impressive defensive effort from the Michigan State product will likely be enough to send the TWolves packing.
Ja Morant secures the triple-double
Ja Morant will remain the focus of the Timberwolves' defense, but the Grizzlies simply have too many weapons that must be guarded. The former second overall pick has flashed his well-rounded ability throughout the series. Morant secured a triple-double in Game 3 and has been within 2 assists or rebounds of another for three of the other four games.
The Murray State product has proven to be the lifeblood of the franchise due to his eye-popping athleticism and basketball ability. The superstar status of Morant has continued to rise this postseason. The game-winning shot in the previous game is sure to be a career highlight for Morant and the dunk earlier on in the game cannot be far behind it. While it is great to watch Morant be in attack mode, he has made the proper reads and gotten his teammates involved throughout the series. Expect this to continue in Game 6 and for another triple-double to be added to his resume.
JA MORANT JUST TOOK OFF ✈️pic.twitter.com/9dQZd4YFmF
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 27, 2022
The Grizzlies' work is not done as they still must win one more game against this tenacious Timberwolves team. Memphis managed to overcome the Game 1 loss by picking up back-to-back wins to take control of the series. The Game 5 victory should certainly be looked at as the turning point in the series as Minnesota left it all on the court. Whether they are able to recover enough to secure another win is still to be seen. The Grizzlies should feel confident in where they sit in the series and will be looking to finish the series sooner rather than later.
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