The Memphis Grizzlies (29-14) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-21) Thursday at the FedExForum for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Minnesota had its four-game winning streak snapped Tuesday after losing 128-125 at the New Orleans Pelicans as 3.5-point road favorites.
Over the past two weeks, the T-Wolves are 4-3 straight-up (SU), 4-2-1 ATS and 5-2 O/U with the sixth-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-9.2 and the third-best ATS margin at plus-8.8, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).
Memphis (+2) beat the Golden State Warriors in a 116-108 thriller Tuesday to win its 10th consecutive game (9-1 ATS).
In the last 14 days, the Grizzlies have the best non-garbage time net rating at plus-14.0 and the best ATS margin at plus-13.2, per CTG.
These teams split the first two meetings this season 1-1 SU and ATS with the home team winning and covering in both games.
Minnesota ended Memphis’ seven-game ATS winning streak in their head-to-head series with its Nov. 20 victory.
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Timberwolves at Grizzlies odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Timberwolves +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Grizzlies -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +3.5 (-105) | Grizzlies -3.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Timberwolves at Grizzlies key injuries
Timberwolves
- None.
Grizzlies
- C Steven Adams (non-COVID illness) questionable
- SG Dillon Brooks (ankle) out
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Timberwolves at Grizzlies odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 124, Timberwolves 117
Money line
PASS ON THE MONEY LINE.
Memphis should handle business and extend its winning streak to 11 Thursday versus Minnesota. But, the Grizzlies (-175) is out of my price range for any NBA regular-season money line favorite.
Against the spread
BET 1 unit on the GRIZZLIES -3.5 (-120) for several reasons. First of all, Memphis has two strength-on-weakness edges in the ball security and rebounding departments.
For example, the Grizzlies have the top offensive rebounding rate and scores the most second-chance points per game (PPG). Whereas the T-Wolves is 26th in defensive rebounding rate and 19th in second-chance PPG allowed.
Furthermore, Memphis is sixth in defensive turnover rate and fourth in points off of turnovers per game. While Minnesota ranks 21st in offensive turnover rate and 23rd in points off of turnovers allowed per game.
Also, both teams play at an above-average tempo and like to get out in transition. However, the Grizzlies score more fast-break PPG and allow fewer fast-break PPG than the T-Wolves.
Lastly, Memphis should be motivated by the whooping Minnesota put on the Grizzlies in their last meeting. The T-Wolves beat the Grizzlies 138-95 Nov. 20, and that kind of loss sticks with a team.
Typically, the T-Wolves could be a look-ahead spot for someone, but Minnesota is a quality squad this season. And that 43-point beatdown Nov. 20 should have Memphis looking for revenge.
BET the GRIZZLIES -3.5 (-120) for 1 unit.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 230.5 (-115) because both teams speed up the tempo, Minnesota is 15-5 O/U in away games with a plus-7.6 total margin, and the Over has cashed in five of the past six Timberwolves-Grizzlies meetings.
On top of that, Memphis should get buckets through its two strength-on-weakness edges. But, Minnesota attempts the most 3-pointers per game, and the Grizzlies are 26th in defensive 3-point shooting percentage.
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