The Memphis Grizzlies (3-2) visit the Target Center Friday to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-3) in Game 6 of the first-round Western Conference playoff series. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
While many thought this series would be over quickly, the Timberwolves, led by C Karl-Anthony Towns, have embraced the underdog role and come out on top twice. They won Game 1, riding high off their play-in win over the Los Angeles Clippers, and won Game 4. They lost Game 5 by 2 points.
While Towns is the most impactful, G Anthony Edwards is leading the team in scoring, averaging 24.2 points per game. Minnesota is 7-7 against the spread (ATS) as a home underdog.
Memphis has played well when traveling up north. The Grizzlies lost by 1 to Minnesota in Game 4 after beating them by 9 in Game 3.
While G Ja Morant was the league’s Most Improved Player, the Grizzlies have been led by G Desmond Bane, who is averaging 23.4 points per game. F Brandon Clarke has been impressive as well, notching 16.4 per game.
Grizzlies at Timberwolves 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 12:43 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Grizzlies -117 (bet $117 to win $100) | Timberwolves -103 (bet $103 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -1.5 (-108) | Timberwolves +1.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Grizzlies at Timberwolves key injuries
Grizzlies
- C Steven Adams (health and safety protocols) out
Timberwolves
- None
[tipico]
Grizzlies at Timberwolves picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 114, Timberwolves 111
Money line
LEAN to the GRIZZLIES -117.
Simply put, the Grizzlies are the better team. The main difference between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves is the impressive Memphis defense. The Grizzlies ranked 6th in defensive rating during the regular season.
They were also the league’s best offensive rebounding team. As a series goes on, these impressive numbers start to show themselves more clearly.
Memphis was 13-8 ATS as a road favorite this season, so it plays well on the road. The Grizzlies are +8 at the Target Center in their 2 games this series.
With the last 2 games decided by 3 points, I’ll just lean to the Grizzlies as they’re the more proven side and have shown that all season long.
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Against the spread
PASS.
This game should be a nail-biter, and I’d prefer the money line value here rather than getting the point on the spread.
Over/Under
BET the UNDER 228.5 (-108).
The Under has hit 3 times in this series, and this is going to be the lowest total yet. Almost 80% of the tickets per pregame.com at the time of writing are on the Over yet just around 65% of the cash is.
This total hasn’t moved though. The books haven’t adjusted it yet which means they’re comfortable with their stance despite not being risk-averse in this situation. I’d side with the books here.
The Wolves and Grizzlies are respectively 14th and 10th in the playoffs in shooting, which has made the drastically high pace not matter as much.
Both play at an ultra-fast pace, but if shots continue not to fall, the Under should still be the better bet, which it is in what could be a series-ending Game 6.
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