The Minnesota Timberwolves (31-28) host the Memphis Grizzlies (41-19) Thursday at Target Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Memphis had a 6-game winning streak snapped in a 123-119 home loss to Portland Trail Blazers Feb. 16 heading into the All-Star break. The Grizzlies, who were 12-point favorites, failed to cover the spread for the first time in seven games.
Minnesota is 6-3 straight up (SU) and 5-3-1 against the spread (ATS) in February. The Timberwolves lost as 1.5-point home favorites to the Toronto Raptors 103-91 Feb. 16 in their most recent outing.
The Grizzlies are 2-1 SU/ATS versus the T-Wolves this season with a 2-1 Over/Under record.
Grizzlies at Timberwolves 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 Wednesday at 11:04 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Grizzlies -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Timberwolves +122 (bet $100 to win $122)
- Against the spread: Grizzlies -2.5 (-120) | Timberwolves +2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 238.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
Grizzlies at Timberwolves key injuries
Grizzlies
- SF Dillon Brooks (ankle) out
Timberwolves
- None
Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!
Grizzlies at Timberwolves odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 119, Timberwolves 112
Money line
BET GRIZZLIES (-150) for 1.25 units.
They have a similar identity as the Timberwolves but are much more consistent and efficient.
Both teams pressure ball handlers, crash the glass and get out in transition. But the Grizzlies are ninth in adjusted offensive-turnover rate (TOV%), second in transition points added per 100 possessions and first in adjusted offensive-rebounding rate, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.
On the other hand, the T-Wolves are 18th in adjusted offensive TOV%, last in adjusted defensive-rebounding rate and 27th in fast-break points per game allowed.
These are most likely the reasons behind Memphis’ dominance over Minnesota in recent seasons. The Grizzlies are 8-1 SU/ATS in their nine eight meetings with the T-Wolves.
Minnesota’s lone victory was a 43-point beatdown (138-95) at home Nov. 20. Perhaps, that’s why we are getting the GRIZZLIES (-150) at a cheap price.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Against the spread
LEAN GRIZZLIES -2.5 (-120) because I’d play their money line all the way up to -165. Either way, the Grizzlies are the right side.
Memphis is 9-2 ATS as a road favorite (plus-6.7 ATS margin) and 8-4 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record. Minnesota is 4-5 ATS as a home underdog and 2-6 ATS as an underdog getting 1 to 2.5 points.
If Memphis’ ML goes north of -165, then I’d bet the GRIZZLIES -2.5 (-120) up to 4.5-point favorites.
Over/Under
PASS.
I have a slight “lean” toward the Under 238.5 (-107) as a fade against the Over-friendly situational trends. Most of the market will probably bet the Over.
The T-Wolves rank 17th in effective field-goal shooting (eFG%), the Grizzlies rank 24th in eFG% and both teams have a below-average adjusted offensive free-throw rate.
But I’m staying away from an Under wager because both teams rank top six in pace and 10th or better in offensive rating.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]