:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49094163/usa-today-9186214.0.jpg)
Look at the picture above. That's what losing to the Phoenix Suns looks like. This is what winning looks like:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6198963/kat_aw.0.jpg)
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
And this:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6198917/rr.0.jpg)
Credit: Layne Murdoch Jr.
Now that we have established what winning and losing looks like (let's see your examples in the comments section!), we can move on to other matters.
The Wolves have an excellent opportunity to win tonight in Memphis. The Grizzlies only had seven healthy bodies on Monday in Houston, three of which are on 10 day contracts, and the end result was an ugly sight for the 5th seed in the Western Conference. The injury-ravaged Grizzlies were destroyed 130-81.
Losing tonight would be a complete embarrassment. Marc Gasol (season-ending surgery on his fractured right foot), Mike Conley (out 3-4 weeks with Achilles tendinitis), and Zach Randolph (knee) are all not going to play due to injuries. Lance Stephenson and Vince Carter are both questionable. P.J. Hairston is out two weeks with a groin injury. Chris "Birdman" Andersen (shoulder) is considered out indefinitely. Mario Chalmers rupturing his right Achilles tendon and Memphis waived him five days ago to make room for another healthy body as they remain in the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
The number of injuries they have experienced is absurd, but Utah (9th seed) is still seven games behind Memphis so getting healthy as possible for the playoffs is likely their first priority.
Meanwhile, the Wolves will have the same group they have been running with all season long (minus KG). The game should not be close. My hope is to see the starters build a monster lead so that Shabazz Muhammad, Nemanja Bjelica, and Tyus Jones can log extra minutes to hopefully gain some confidence.
Memphis Bound with the OG's ✈️ pic.twitter.com/DGN9LJXmHj
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) March 15, 2016
If you're looking for new articles to read this morning, Tom Ziller has you covered. If you don't get your fix there, Morning Shootaround at NBA.com always has some good links to keep you up to date on current events around the league.
In case you missed out on Ricky Rubio's tremendous performance on Monday in Phoenix, or simply want to watch his masterful 13 point, 17 assist, three rebound, four steal game again — though the Wolves still lost (argh) — here is a highlight video:
Music
Today's musical guest is Tycho with "A Walk." It's a peaceful song.