NBA Playoff Picks: Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies

Minnesota Timberwolves (47-36 SU, 43-38-2 ATS) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (56-26 SU, 52-29-1 ATS)

When: Saturday April 16 2022, 03:30 PM (ET)

Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennesee

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: MIN +7.5/MEM -7.5 (Opened MEM -7.5 at MyBookie – They’ll give you a 100% bonus if you use bonus code PREDICT100 when you register for a new betting account!)

Total: 234.5 (234.5)

Money Line: Twolves +230/Grizz -280

Power Rating: MEM -8

Probable Starting Lineups

PG D’Angelo Russell, SG Anthony Edwards, SF Jaden McDaniels, PF Jarred Vanderbilt, C Karl-Anthony Townes

PG Ja Morant, SG Desmond Bane, SF Dillon Brooks, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., C Steven Adams

Key Injuries

Minnesota Timberwolves
Taurean Prince: Knee (QUESTIONABLE)

Memphis Grizzlies
Tyrell Terry: Foot (QUESTIONABLE)
Ja Morant: Knee (QUESTIONABLE)
Killian Tillie: Knee (OUT)

The Memphis Grizzlies host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 03:30 PM ET at the FedEx Forum.

Recent Form

The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game with an overall record of 46-36, placing them 7th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Minnesota has struggled in their 41 road contests, sitting at 20-21. Over their last five games, the Timberwolves have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Minnesota is averaging 122.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 115.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 113.0 points per contest. Even though Minnesota has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 123.0 points per game, up from the Timberwolves’ usual rate of 113.2. In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most recent game, Minnesota took down the LA Clippers by a score of 109-104

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with an overall record of 56-26, placing them 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, Memphis is above .500 at home, holding a record of 30-11. Over the Grizzlies’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Memphis’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 119.0 points per game. Combined, the Grizzlies’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Grizzlies’ 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 109.9.In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent game, the team fell to Boston by a score of 139-110.

Individual Player Analysis

As Minnesota travels to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, the Timberwolves leading scorer is Karl-Anthony Towns. Through 77 games, Towns is averaging 24 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 49.0% of his games. Against the Grizzlies, Towns will need to be on top of his game as Memphis is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 48.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Ja Morant leads the Grizzlies in scoring, averaging 27 points across his 57 games. Throughout the season, Morant has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. On the season, the Timberwolves have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 48.39% of their games, giving them a rank of 12nd among NBA defenses.

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 31 of Memphis’s 79 games, leading to a winning percentage of 74%. So far, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played 6 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 6 times, by an average margin of -12.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies have met up for 4 games. In their last meeting, Minnesota picked up a 119-114 win.

How the Public is Betting the Timberwolves vs Grizzlies

67% are betting the Grizzlies against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 234.5

More Picks: Raptors vs. Sixers 4/16/22 Playoff Pick ATS >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
• Timberwolves are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
• Grizzlies are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games.
• Grizzlies are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game fresh off their thrilling win over the LA Clippers in the 7/8 play-in game. However, the team will need to quickly shift focus to the Memphis Grizzlies, which are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. To finish the regular season, Memphis won 7 of their past 10 games, several of which came without Ja Morant. In terms of offensive style, Minnesota will be looking to win the game from outside, as they average 41 three-point attempts per game, most in the league. On the other side, the Grizzlies prefer to dominate inside, leading the NBA in offensive rebound percentage and scoring in the paint. With a spread sitting at 7.5 points in favor of the Grizzlies, I see this being a close game, with the T-Wolves keeping it within this margin. Question: Have you seen the cool 200% bonus at Everygame Sportsbook? (Formerly Intertops) You deposit $25 and they’ll give you an extra 50 bucks to bet with! To take advantage of this deal, you must deposit $25 and then go directly to their special offers page and enter bonus code ROOKIE200. The $50 will show up instantly in your account! Clilck here to get it!