The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) visit FedExForum Tuesday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (0-1). Tip-off for Game 2 of the first-round playoff series is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Timberwolves stole Game 1 as SportsBook Wire’s Geoff Clark correctly predicted. Keeping that confidence following their 130-117 victory is going to be far more difficult.
In Game 1, G Anthony Edwards scored 36 points while C Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points and 13 rebounds. The Grizzlies were led by Most Improved Player candidate G Ja Morant, who scored 32.
Minnesota is 43-38-2 against the spread (ATS) this season. While it struggled to cover near the end of the season, going 1-6 ATS, Minnesota has covered both of its postseason battles. It is 13-13 ATS as a road underdog this season.
Memphis was among the best covering teams in the NBA at 52-30-1 ATS. The Grizzlies were the league’s fourth-best team as a home favorite at 19-12 ATS. They’ll look to even the series in Game 2.
Timberwolves at Grizzlies odds 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 12:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Timberwolves +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Grizzlies -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +6.5 (-105) | Grizzlies -6.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Timberwolves at Grizzlies key injuries
Timberwolves
- None
Grizzlies
- None
[tipico]
Timberwolves at Grizzlies picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 119, Timberwolves 111
Money line
PASS.
Memphis is going to bounce back, but at -300, it’s not worth betting three times a potential return that it manages to even the series. PASS on the Grizzlies money line.
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Against the spread
BET GRIZZLIES -6.5 (-105).
The Grizzlies are too good to get punked twice in a row. Memphis is going to have a better game plan to slow down Edwards.
Edwards only had 1 back-to-back 30-point game this season. He’s averaging 17.1 points per game following a 30-point night. He topped 30 points 9 times this season and scored under 15 in the next game 4 times.
Edwards is too inconsistent to not regress.
Also, the Grizzlies had just 8 offensive rebounds, and they are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA. Expect them to be more aggressive on the glass.
Memphis is the superior team, and it’s been great as a home favorite this season. If it can play to its strengths, I expect the Grizzlies to play better while the Wolves and Edwards take a step back.
Over/Under
LEAN to the UNDER 240.5 (-110).
The Grizzlies ended the regular season with the sixth-best defensive rating. While the Wolves were red hot in Game 1, Memphis should be able to quench their flame in Game 2.
Minnesota shot 50% from the field and 89% from the free-throw line. That likely won’t be repeated. However, given both teams rank in the top 4 in pace, I wouldn’t suggest a full-unit play.
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