Memphis Grizzlies start Kyle Anderson for Game 3 of NBA playoffs, Steven Adams benched

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins made his first major adjustment in Game 2 opening the second half with Kyle Anderson starting over Steven Adams. It’ll carry over to Game 3 Thursday in Minneapolis (6:30 p.m., TNT/Bally Sports Southeast)

Anderson will start at Target Center with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks. Adams only played three minutes in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, all in the first quarter.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) warms up before game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

It’s the first time the Grizzlies have gone to this starting lineup all season. It’s a gamble that will allow for another defender in the lineup in Anderson while also giving Jaren Jackson Jr. to defend Karl-Anthony Towns or roam as a help defender.

The move worked well in Game 2 as the Grizzlies started on a 17-4 run to open the second half.

Depending on how much Adams plays Thursday, it could also mean more minutes for Xavier Tillman Sr. Tillman provided a spark in Game 2 off the bench and could have the same role if Adams’ role remains limited.

The Grizzlies and Timberwolves are tied at 1-1.

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies start Kyle Anderson for Game 3 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves