NBA Sundays preview: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies
Every week, former NBA coach Neal Meyer takes a look at Sunday's big game
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Your support makes all the difference.This Sunday’s game is very intriguing as it sees two of the top Europeans battle it out as Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves take on his international teammate Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have made the NBA Playoffs in each of the last five seasons – a tough task in the incredibly competitive Western Conference. Gasol, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Tony Allen have been on their squad throughout the impressive streak and their consistency combined with their intensity has been a big part of the team’s success. They’ve started slowly this year though and will be looking to get their season back on track on Sunday.
Player to Watch: Marc Gasol – The younger brother of Pau, Marc has made a name for himself in the league in his own right. The 7ft 1in centre is a two time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. His all-round game has continued to develop which earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team last season. Gasol is a strong defender, a clever passer and a scoring threat from mid-range.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have had their challenges in recent years, having not made the post season since the 2003-04 campaign. Things are looking up for the franchise though in the shape of two of the most exciting young players in the league. Andrew Wiggins was the first overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft and after impressing last year, looks to have continued his development over the summer with a strong start to the season. Karl-Anthony Towns was the first overall pick of the 2015 and the 19-year-old has adapted to life in the NBA with ease. Following the recent passing of Head Coach Flip Saunders, the Wolves have surprised many with their start and will be hoping to continue their form with a home win.
Player to Watch: Ricky Rubio – Now 25, Rubio was the most talked about European when he was 16 and you can see why, he is one of the most creative passers the league has ever seen. His shooting has lacked polish which combined with injuries has slowed his development but he is playing very well this season running the team.
Who wins? Tweet your prediction using #NBASUNDAYS
NBA Sundays on BT Sport – a live NBA game every Sunday at 8.30pm. This week on 15 November the Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Memphis Grizzlies on BT Sport 1
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NEAL MEYER'S NBA CV
October 94 - August 95 - San Antonio Spurs - Assistant Video Coordinator & Camp Director, Basketball Operations
September 95 - July 97 - Denver Nuggets - Video Coordinator & Camp Director, Basketball Operations
August 97 - August 00 - Portland Trail Blazers - Video Coordinator & Camp Director, Basketball Operations
September 00 - July 02 - Portland Trail Blazers - Assistant Coach & Scout, Basketball Operations
October 02 - April 03 - Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors - Regional Advance Scout
August 03 - June 09 - Los Angeles Clippers - Assistant Coach & Director of Player Development, Basketball Operations
September 09 - October 10 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Video Coordinator/Coach, Basketball Operations
October 10 - present - Senior Director for the NBA's Basketball Operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa
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