NBA playoffs 2022 - What we're watching in the massive Game 6 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA first-round playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves has the makings of an all-time classic.

We've seen young superstars Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards take their games to new heights — literally, in Morant's case — Karl-Anthony Towns letting it fly from deep and some massive rallies that have swung the series momentum through five exhilarating games.

What's in store for Friday's Game 6 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) in Minneapolis?

Will the Grizzlies continue to experiment with different defensive matchups against Towns? Will Jaren Jackson Jr. be able to stay out of foul trouble? What theatrics could Edwards provide in the latest chapter of his impressive playoff debut? What courtside trash talk will be traded between Tee Morant and Karl Towns Sr.?

Our NBA experts are breaking down the storylines they're watching the closest as the Grizzlies look to close out the Timberwolves and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

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No factor in Grizzlies-Wolves has been more important than Karl-Anthony Towns' production. In Minnesota's pair of wins, Towns has averaged 31 points and 17.5 shot attempts. In three losses, that drops to 17 PPG and almost precisely half as many attempts (8.7).

Certainly, the Memphis defense hasn't been the only factor at play here. Towns' own foul trouble (five in each of the Wolves' losses, limiting him to no more than 35 minutes as compared to the 42-plus he's played in two wins) has been key. Same goes for Minnesota's guards, particularly D'Angelo Russell, failing to find Towns in favorable situations.

Still, the Grizzlies' adjustment during their fourth-quarter comeback in Game 5 was fascinating. After Jackson fouled out and