Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions 2/24/22

Memphis Grizzlies (41-19 SU, 40-20-0 ATS) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (31-28 SU, 30-28-1 ATS)

When: Thursday February 24 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

TV: BSSE-MEM

Point Spread: MEM -3.5/MIN +3.5 (Opened at MEM -1 at BetOnline)

Total: 239 (Opened at 239)

Money Line: Memphis -110/Minnesota -110

Power Rating: MEM -3.5

Probable Starting Lineups

Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant, SG Ziaire Williams, SF Desmond Bane, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., C Steven Adams

Minnesota Timberwolves PG Patrick Beverley, SG D’Angelo Russell, SF Anthony Edwards, PF Jarred Vanderbilt, C Karl-Anthony Towns

Key Injuries

Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks: ankle (OUT) Yves Pons: thigh (OUT) Xavier Tillman: thigh (QUESTIONABLE)

Timberwolves
McKinley Wright IV: elbow (OUT)

The Memphis Grizzlies travel to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western Conference Matchup. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM at the Target Center.

Recent Form

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with an overall record of 41-19, placing them 3rd in the Western Conference. So far, Memphis is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 21-9. Over their last five games, the Grizzlies have played well, picking up four wins. During this stretch, Memphis is averaging 126.0 points per game, 12.0 points more than their season average of 113.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. Even though Memphis has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 113.0 points per game, up from the Grizzlies’ usual rate of 109.0.’ In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent game, the team fell to Toronto by a score of 123-119.

The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game with an overall record of 31-28, placing them 7th in the Western Conference. So far, Minnesota is above .500 at home, holding a record of 17-11. Over the Timberwolves’ last five games, they have picked up just two wins. During this stretch, Minnesota is averaging 117.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 113.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Timberwolves’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 122.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 111.7. In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most recent game, the team fell to Toronto by a score of 103-91.

Individual Player Analysis

As Memphis travels to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Grizzlies’ leading scorer is Ja Morant. Through 46 games, Morant is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 50.0% of his games. As Morant gets set to take on the Timberwolves, he could be in line for a big game as Minnesota is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 56.25 of their games. This figure places them 27th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves in scoring, averaging 24 points across his 53 games. Throughout the season, Towns has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Towns will need to do so against a Grizzlies defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 34.78%. This figure is good for a rank of 2nd in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 42 of Memphis’s 60 games, leading to a winning percentage of 74%. So far, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played six games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 6 times, by an average margin of -18.0 points.

The Historicals

Tonight’s matchup between the Timberwolves and Grizzlies will be their third meeting of the season. So far, Memphis has picked up two wins.

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How the Public is Betting the Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves

67% are betting the Grizzlies against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go under the posted total of 239

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Grizzlies are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.
• Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a straight-up loss.
• Timberwolves are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
• Timberwolves are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Memphis Grizzlies are set to resume play and look to continue their strong play. Before the All-Star Break, Memphis won eight of their last ten games. Even though Minnesota has played well at home, look for the Grizzlies to pick up the win and cover the spread.