The Memphis Grizzlies will play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedEx Forum to begin their 2016-17 season on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies will be led this season by a new head coach David Fizdale. Fizdale came over from Miami, where he served as assistant coach from 2008-2016. They will be looking to bounce back from a tough ending to last season; although they did make the playoffs, the Grizz were plagued by injuries in the second half of the season and certainly could have done more damage at full strength. Chandler Parsons signed with Memphis in the offseason and promises to be a great addition but unfortunately is coming off of a knee injury, and his participation in the season openers is questionable. Meanwhile, a healthy core of Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley is a good sight for Grizzlies fans and has proven to be more than capable of competing with just about any team.
The Timberwolves will also begin this season under new leadership. Tom Thibodeau will be at the helm of the young up and coming Minnesota squad. With veteran presence Kevin Garnett now retired, a strong leader like Thibodeau could be a great and timely mentor for young players like Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach Lavine. The Timberwolves added some depth with Jordan Hill, Cole Aldrich and Brandon Rush. The ‘Wolves will be looking to make a big step forward this year. With all kinds of budding talent, new leadership and perhaps a shot at the playoffs, this game can mark the beginning of a big up-swing for the Timberwolves organization.
