The Memphis Grizzlies came into Thursday's game against the Timberwolves knowing how important a win would be for their playoff hopes.
They didn't get it, falling 141-125 at FedExForum thanks to a dysfunctional defense that allowed 52 third-quarter points and had no answer for Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. The loss left the Grizzlies and Timberwolves tied at 47-33.
"Everybody wanted this win," Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo said. "We knew it was very important. Didn't get it."
It was a particularly tough loss because the Grizzlies have less than 24 hours before their next game, and they'll first have to travel almost 900 miles to get to Denver for their game on Friday (8 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). The Nuggets played Wednesday but did not play Thursday, so they'll have a rest advantage heading into a critical matchup. Denver is a game ahead of Memphis at 48-32.
After Friday's game, the Grizzlies will come back to Memphis and will host the Mavericks in the regular-season finale on Sunday (2:30 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).
Memphis is currently No. 7 in the Western Conference, and only the top six teams will advance straight to the playoffs. The teams seeded 7-10 will go to the play-in tournament. The Grizzlies can still finish in the top four, but they'll need to win their next two games. A loss to Denver on Friday would likely relegate the Grizzlies to the play-in.
Another subplot for Friday's game? Both teams have interim coaches. The Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins with nine games left in the regular season, but the Nuggets later fired Michael Malone with only three games left. Friday's game will be David Adelman's second as interim coach after he won his debut against the Kings on Wednesday.
