BETUS
Cash: $ FP: $ My Account Deposit Login Join Logout
  • Sportsbook
  • Live Betting
  • Casino
  • Racebook
  • Promotions
  • BetUS TV
  • More
  • Contests
  • Loyalty
  • Locker Room
  • Crypto Help
THE LOCKER ROOM SPORTS BETTING NEWS, STATS, ODDS & FREE PICKS
BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement
  • NFL
    • MATCHUPS
      • NFL WEEK 1
      • NFL WEEK 2
      • NFL WEEK 3
      • NFL WEEK 4
      • NFL WEEK 5
      • NFL WEEK 6
      • NFL WEEK 7
      • NFL WEEK 8
      • NFL WEEK 9
      • NFL WEEK 10
      • NFL WEEK 11
      • NFL WEEK 12
      • NFL WEEK 13
      • NFL WEEK 14
      • NFL WEEK 15
      • NFL WEEK 16
      • NFL WEEK 17
      • NFL WEEK 18
      • Bengals vs Rams Super Bowl LVI
      • CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
      • DIVISIONAL
      • WILD CARD
    • NEWS
    • THE NFL SHOW
    • INJURIES
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • MONDAY NIGHT GAME
    • 10 NFL FACTS
    • TEAMS
  • NCAAF
    • NEWS
    • THE NCAAF SHOW
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • BOWL GAMES
  • NBA
    • PICKS
    • NEWS
    • THE NBA SHOW
    • ODDS
    • TEAMS
  • NCAAB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • MARCH MADNESS: PICKS & PREDICTIONS
    • MARCH MADNESS ODDS
    • The NCAAB Show
  • MLB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • WORLD SERIES
    • TEAMS
  • Soccer
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • FIFA World Cup
    • THE PREMIER LEAGUE SHOW
    • The Serie A Show
    • The Bundesliga Show
    • La Liga Show
    • The Champions League Show
    • The Europa League show
  • NHL
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • Teams
  • TENNIS
  • HORSE RACING
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • UFC & MMA
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • Esports
    • ESPORTS NEWS
    • ESPORTS PICKS
    • ODDS
  • More
    • Boxing
      • NEWS
      • PICKS
      • ODDS
    • Golf
    • Motorsports
    • NASCAR
    • Rugby News & Picks
    • Cricket
    • WNBA
    • More Sports
    • How to bet on sports
    • OLYMPIC GAMES
    • Entertainment
No Result
View All Result
NBA
PICKS NEWS ODDS THE NBA SHOW TEAMS
BETUS
Cash: $ FP: $ My Account Deposit Login Join Logout
  • NFL
    • MATCHUPS
      • NFL WEEK 1
      • NFL WEEK 2
      • NFL WEEK 3
      • NFL WEEK 4
      • NFL WEEK 5
      • NFL WEEK 6
      • NFL WEEK 7
      • NFL WEEK 8
      • NFL WEEK 9
      • NFL WEEK 10
      • NFL WEEK 11
      • NFL WEEK 12
      • NFL WEEK 13
      • NFL WEEK 14
      • NFL WEEK 15
      • NFL WEEK 16
      • NFL WEEK 17
      • NFL WEEK 18
      • Bengals vs Rams Super Bowl LVI
      • CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
      • DIVISIONAL
      • WILD CARD
    • NEWS
    • THE NFL SHOW
    • INJURIES
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • MONDAY NIGHT GAME
    • 10 NFL FACTS
    • TEAMS
  • NCAAF
    • NEWS
    • THE NCAAF SHOW
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • BOWL GAMES
  • NBA
    • PICKS
    • NEWS
    • THE NBA SHOW
    • ODDS
    • TEAMS
  • NCAAB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • MARCH MADNESS: PICKS & PREDICTIONS
    • MARCH MADNESS ODDS
    • The NCAAB Show
  • MLB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • WORLD SERIES
    • TEAMS
  • Soccer
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • FIFA World Cup
    • THE PREMIER LEAGUE SHOW
    • The Serie A Show
    • The Bundesliga Show
    • La Liga Show
    • The Champions League Show
    • The Europa League show
  • NHL
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • Teams
  • TENNIS
  • HORSE RACING
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • UFC & MMA
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • Esports
    • ESPORTS NEWS
    • ESPORTS PICKS
    • ODDS
  • More
    • Boxing
      • NEWS
      • PICKS
      • ODDS
    • Golf
    • Motorsports
    • NASCAR
    • Rugby News & Picks
    • Cricket
    • WNBA
    • More Sports
    • How to bet on sports
    • OLYMPIC GAMES
    • Entertainment
No Result
View All Result
Sports betting at America's Sportsbook - BetUS
Cash: $   FP: $ Login Join
NBA
PICKS NEWS ODDS THE NBA SHOW TEAMS
  • UFC & MMA Betting
  • NHL
  • Horse Racing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • Motorsports
  • NASCAR
  • Cricket
  • Esports Betting Analysis, Picks & Predictions

Home » NBA Betting » NBA News » 5 Keys for the Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Playoff Matchup

5 Keys for the Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Playoff Matchup

Riley Thomas by Riley Thomas
Apr 14, 2022, 4:58pm ET
in NBA News
5 Keys for the Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Playoff Matchup

David Berding/Getty Images/AFP

The Western Conference features one of the most exciting 2-seed vs. 7-seed playoff series in recent memory.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies are two of the biggest surprises in the NBA. Few expected the T-Wolves to make the playoffs and no one thought the Grizz would lock up a No. 2 seed.

These are the top scoring offenses in the league with their young, uber-athletic rosters. Memphis has not won a playoff series since 2015 and Minnesota hasn’t won a series since 2004.

BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement

Which squad will break its playoff drought? Here are 5 keys that could determine the winner of the Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies matchup.

Who Takes Care of the Ball?

The Grizzlies average 9.8 steals per game, which leads the league. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves rank 21st in turnovers per game at 14.3 turnovers per game. If Minnesota does not take care of the ball, Memphis’ lethal fastbreak game — which leads the NBA with 17.7 fastbreak points per game — will feast.

Fortunately for the Wolves, they have a dangerous fastbreak game as well. They are fourth with 15.2 fastbreak points per game. In addition, Minnesota averages 8.8 steals per game (3rd).

Overall, these teams are deadlocked when it comes to forcing turnovers and scoring in the fastbreak. Explosive teams make teams pay dearly for mistakes, the Grizz and T-Wolves fit the description.

Whoever can take care of the ball will have a leg up in this series.

Minnesota Must Rebound Well

Memphis has a big advantage going into this series. The Grizzlies lead the NBA in rebounds per game (49.2 rebounds) and offensive rebounds per game (14.1 offensive rebounds).

Their offensive rebounding is particularly concerning for the T-Wolves. Minnesota is a good offensive rebounding team as well, ranked sixth in the category. But the difference here is the Timberwolves are not a great defensive rebounding team like the Grizz.

Minnesota ranks 25th in defensive rebounds per game. Below-average rebounding is not acceptable vs. the Grizzlies. Memphis will eat the Wolves alive on the offensive glass if given the opportunity.

Once again, this goes back to overall possessions in the series. Both of these offenses are mighty impressive, and elite rebounding gives the Grizzlies the inside track for more field goals attempted.

Karl-Anthony Towns Cannot Shy Away

As one of the NBA’s supreme scoring teams, the Timberwolves have a boatload of scorers. However, one player’s value is irreplaceable.

Karl-Anthony Towns is the lone All-Star in Minnesota. He must perform like an All-Star. In Tuesday’s play-in game, Towns looked agitated and frustrated all night long against the Clippers. He let the officials get the best of him and complained after every call.

With consistent foul trouble, his 33.4 minutes per game average was slashed to 24 minutes vs. the Clippers. Towns had a terrible night scoring 11 points while shooting 3-11 from the field. Los Angeles’ defense was clearly under his skin from start to finish.

Against the Grizzlies, it will get no easier for Towns. Memphis has one of the NBA’s best frontcourt defenders this season, Jaren Jackson Jr. Also, the 6-foot-11 center Steven Adams has been a solid defender throughout his career backed by his 7-foot-5 wingspan.

Memphis has all of the tools to defend Towns. This will be a tough challenge for the three-time All-Star center, but Towns is the backbone of the Wolves lineup. He must conquer this challenge if the Timberwolves want a shot at winning the series.

Shooting from Beyond the Arc

For the T-Wolves, their 3-point shooting could be their one clear advantage in the series. Minnesota has a rotation full of shooters. When their center, Towns, can step outside and shoot at a blistering 41% from deep, defending them becomes a problem.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell are microwave scorers capable of getting hot in a hurry. Both are 35.7% or lower on 3-pointers, but on the right night, they become nearly unstoppable. For instance, Edwards shot 5-11 from deep while pouring in 30 points in the play-in vs. the Clippers.

Anthony Edwards clutch step-back 3 over Paul George oh my god pic.twitter.com/WrGaxo2FPz

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) April 13, 2022

As a team, they are the league leader in total 3-pointers made this season and are third in percent of points from 3-pointers (38.2%). In comparison, Memphis is on the opposite end of the spectrum with only 29.9% of their points coming from deep (27th).

The Grizzlies have three major threats from deep with Desmond Bane leading the way at 43.6% on 3-point attempts. Overall, the Grizz are a mediocre team from beyond the arc.

Without question, knocking down 3-pointers is where the T-Wolves could really hurt Memphis throughout the series. Minnesota has relied on shots from deep all season, now is not the time to turn away from it. Let it fly.

Can Ja Morant be Stopped?

If only one team in the NBA had the athletes to run with Ja Morant, it’s the Wolves. But does that mean Morant can be completely stopped? That is highly unlikely. The key here is limiting the explosive superstar guard.

Even limiting Morant seems impossible. The third-year point guard is posting career-high averages: 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. Plus, he’s shooting efficiently at 49.3% and is shooting a career-high on 3-pointers (34.4%).

The Murray State alum has reached elite status this season, and has reached near MVP status. Morant is not one of the true contenders for MVP this season, which is hard to grasp. But that’s another discussion, it feels like Morant should be up for MVP without a doubt.

Clearly, the Memphis superstar guard is a problem. Can Minnesota hope to slow him down?

The Timberwolves are 24th in allowed points per game (113.2 points) and rank 26th in allowed fastbreak points per game (14.1 points). This does not fare well against the speedy and explosive Morant.

However, Minnesota’s paint defense could be its saving grace. The TWolves are 11th with 45.8 allowed points in the paint per game. Morant’s game relies on getting around the rim. Overall, Memphis lives in the paint as they average 57.5 points in the paint per game (1st).

Slowing Morant will be tough, but if the Timberwolves’ defense can hold up in the paint they have a chance.

Ultimately, the major key of this series is possessions. Both teams average over 115 points with a multitude of talented scorers. The team with the most shot attempts will likely win the series since each team has a fluid, efficient offense.

How many games will the Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies series go and who will win? Let your predictions be known by placing your bets at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tags: Memphis GrizzliesMinnesota TimberwolvesNBANBA newsNBA Playoffs
Riley Thomas

Riley Thomas

Riley Thomas grew up an avid sports fan and decided to put his passion to paper. He is a young, up-and-coming writer with experience covering various sports and sports betting. Whether it's heavy analytical pieces or fun and engaging pieces, Riley has you covered. He always completes extensive research on every piece to ensure you will receive the best content. Riley is a 2021 graduate of Ohio University and cannot wait for what's ahead in his career covering sports!

Next Post
Three Finishes and a Decision, April 16

Three Finishes and a Decision, April 16

BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement

NBA Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds

NFL Season Betting Strategy | Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

Stay Connected

Recommended

Jaylen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide

Super Bowl 57 Odds – Beware of the Trap!

February 8, 2023
Flames vs Red Wings Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

Flames vs Red Wings Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

February 8, 2023
Avalanche vs Lightning Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

Avalanche vs Lightning Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

February 8, 2023
Defensive Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles - Evan Habeeb/AFP

Super Bowl 57 Defensive Lines Analysis

February 8, 2023
BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement
Sports Betting

SPORTSBOOK

  • Online Sportsbook
  • NFL Odds
  • NBA Odds
  • MLB Odds
  • World Series Odds
  • NHL Odds
  • NCAAF Odds
  • NCAAB Odds
  • UEFA Champions League Odds
  • Nascar Odds
  • OIympic Games Odds
  • French Open Odds
  • Live Betting

CASINO

  • Online Casino Games
  • Tournaments
  • Bonus Play
  • Play Blackjack
  • Online Slots
  • Casino Guide
  • How to Play Blackjack

HORSE RACING

  • Racebook
  • Horse Racing Odds
  • Horse Racing Rules
  • Racebook Glossary
  • Horse Race Betting
  • Pegasus World Cup
  • Triple Crown Betting
  • Horse Racing News

INFORMATION

  • Sports Betting News
  • BetUS Sportsbook Reviews
  • How to Bet Online
  • How to Bet On Sports
  • About Us
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Help & FAQ
  • Press Room
  • Sporting Events Odds
  • Affiliates

BETTING OFFERS

  • Casino Promotions
  • Bonuses
  • Contests
  • Sign Up Bonus
  • Crypto Bonus
  • Casino Bonus
  • Refer a Friend

OTHER

Why Join?
Contact Us
1 (800) 792-3887
Email
BetUS Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
IF YOU HAVE A GAMBLING PROBLEM, CALL 1-800-GAMBLER
license certificate

© 1994 - 2023 BetUS.. All Rights Reserved The BetUS Brand and Logo are trademarks of BetUS. BetUS is a premier online sportsbook and gambling destination. BetUS is a fully licensed sportsbook providing a reliable and secure sports betting service to millions of satisfied online betting customers world wide since 1994. BetUS offers football betting, live and NFL odds all season long.

Why Join? My Account
Sportsbook
Live Betting
Racebook
Promotions
Casino
Contests
Locker Room
BETUS TV
Loyalty
Crypto Help
Chat
  • Help
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Logout