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The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Grizzlies-Timberwolves prediction and pick.
The Grizzlies rallied from a 26-point deficit to stun the Timberwolves 104-95 in Game 3. It appeared as if the Wolves were on their way to victory. A spectacular third quarter put Minnesota up 83-67, heading into the fourth. However, the Wolves struggled down the stretch and managed a measly 12 points in the final frame.
Desmond Bane scored 26 points, including seven 3-pointers to lead the rally. Additionally, Ja Morant delivered a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, the Memphis bench was the true catalyst for success. Brandon Clarke led the charge with 20 points while shooting 6 of 9. Also, Tyus Jones connected on two 3-pointers down the stretch to help close the game. The bench combined for 41 points.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell tacked 22 points, including four makes from beyond the arc. In addition to Russell, Anthony Edwards chipped in 19 points on 6 of 13 shooting. However, Karl-Anthony Towns struggled as he took only four shots and scored eight points. He also was on the bench throughout the fourth quarter due to foul trouble. The Wolves shot 38.8 percent from the field and converted 34.3 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. Additionally, Memphis won the battle of the boards 48-41. The Wolves established a significant lead early in the game, but a 23-4 run by the Grizzlies in the second helped fuel the first comeback.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Grizzlies-Timberwolves NBA Playoffs odds:
NBA Playoffs Odds: Grizzlies-Timberwolves Odds
Grizzlies: -3 (-110)
Timberwolves: +3 (-110)
Over: 232.5 (-110)
Under: 232.5 (-110)
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Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
Memphis has the stronger bench, as evident by the events of Game 3. The Grizzlies rallied twice on Thursday to secure the victory. Now, the Grizzlies hope to manage the game better and avoid falling behind early again. The key to avoiding an early deficit will is to contain the Minnesota starters. Memphis handled Towns efficiently but allowed Russell and Edwards to score on them repeatedly. Morant and Bane need to take charge and showcase what they can do to avoid an early letdown.
The Grizzlies must limit turnovers. Memphis lost the turnover battle in Game 3 by a narrow margin. Thus, handling the ball better would lead to better opportunities and clock management. The Grizzlies need more power on the front end as they can give themselves second chances and play better basketball. The Grizzlies shot 42.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from the triples in Game 3. However, Memphis shot 64.5 percent from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies will cover the spread by containing the Wolves earlier in the game. Additionally, Memphis has a better chance to cover if it limits turnovers and improves from the free-throw line.
Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread
Minnesota did almost everything correctly in Game 3. However, their collapse late in the game was due to missing vital shots and allowing Memphis too much wiggle room. The Wolves must bounce back and refocus their energy on Game 4 to even up the series.
It starts with the bench. The Minnesota bench managed only 22 points and could not stop the Memphis bench. Because of this, it gave Memphis plenty of opportunities to get back in the game. It has been the story all season in this matchup. The Wolves have felt like a top-heavy team and have not been able to maintain success once their starters rested. It is paramount that the bench gives them a better performance, and the Wolves regain their composure.
Minnesota will cover the spread if the bench succeeds. Also, the Wolves have to keep themselves composed and win the battle on the boards. Towns must play better and be the megastar the Wolves expected when they drafted him. His play will go a long way toward determining if Minnesota accomplishes anything in Game 4.
Final Grizzlies-Timberwolves Prediction & Pick
This series has been up and down. The Wolves dominated Game 1 and squarely put the Grizzlies on their heels. Then, Memphis pounded Minnesota in the second game. The Wolves were on their way to a monumental Game 4 victory, but they collapsed down the stretch. Ultimately, expect Minnesota to come out strong in this game and learn from its mistakes. The Wolves realize that the chances of winning this series diminish significantly if they lose Game 4. Because of this, the Wolves will find a way to steal Game 4 and send the series back to Memphis tied.
Final Grizzlies-Timberwolves Prediction & Pick: Timberwolves +3 (-110)
