Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions
Memphis Brings Stellar Road Record into Matchup at Minnesota
Teams Hot Prior to Break
The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves were running hot before the All Star break.
Having not played for a few days can have a negative effect, but when the likes of Ja Morant and Karl-Anthony Towns are on the court, we’re expecting a thrilling game.
The sportsbook has only a 1½-point difference, so it should be a tight affair.
More of Memphis Morant
Morant is one of the most exciting players in the NBA and he’s single-handedly taking the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs.
Morant is averaging 26.8 points per game and it’s his maturity and overall talent that has us impressed. He is playing beyond his years and the Grizzlies are thriving off his play.
“Our goal is to win the championship, and I feel like as long as we stay locked in, continue to grow together, play together, that goal can be achieved,” Morant told CBS Sports. “We’ve just got to stay the course, take it day by day and let it play out.”
The Grizzlies are 40-19 and 21-9 on the road, so they have been an excellent bet. They are 40-20 against the spread, so bettors have cashed in. They looked good beating the Charlotte Hornets on the road 125-118, so those wins give bettors confidence.
NBA betting odds have the Grizzlies at -1½, which is a fair line. They could have easily been favored by at least four points based on their recent form.
The line could have something to do with Dillion Brooks being sidelined, but with Morant on fire, Brooks is not always needed in the point guard position.
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Minnesota, so it has recent history on its side.
Timberwolves Howling
The Minnesota Timberwolves hit a bit of a lull just before the All-Star break, but they were running hot for a while.
They scored five consecutive straight-up wins straight up and against the spread before losing 132-119 to the Sacramento Kings, but bettors shouldn’t be deterred by that performance.
Betting online markets have had to adjust to how well the Timberwolves have been playing and it has been on the back of quality play from Towns.
The big man is averaging 24.4 points and 9.7 assists, so he’s close to averaging a double-double. It has been a long wait for Towns to show his true potential, but he could be leading the Timberwolves to their best finish in years.
They are only 29-28-2 ATS, but they’re 17-11 at home. Playing at home is big for this team and it could make the difference against Memphis.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Head-to-Head
The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves have played six times over the last two seasons and Memphis holds a 5-1 advantage.
The Grizzlies have also covered in eight of the last nine games against Minnesota, so all of the momentum is with the visitors.
The most recent meeting was a 116-108 home win for the Grizzlies in January despite an off night from Morant with only 16 points.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game Information
- Game: Memphis Grizzlies (41-19) at Minnesota Timberwolves (31-28)
- Location: Target Center, Minneapolis
- Day/Time: Thursday, 8 p.m. ET
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Betting Lines
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Prediction
We would have taken the Memphis Grizzlies at -4, so we’re happy with the current line available.
There is nothing wrong with the way the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing, but there is a spark with the Grizzlies and we can’t see many teams getting in their way.
The current total is set at 239½ points, which is high. They are high-scoring teams, but we see the total going under. The defenses are good enough to keep this game to a 120-110 score line in favor of the Grizzlies.
