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The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies will meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday in Tennessee. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Timberwolves-Grizzlies prediction and pick.
The Timberwolves earned the seventh seed in the Western Conference after dispatching the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 on Tuesday night. Anthony Edwards scored 30 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Wolves. Additionally, D'Angelo Russell chipped in 29 points and six assists. Karl Anthony-Towns managed 11 points on 3 for 11 shooting. It was not his best performance, and he even fouled out of the game. The Wolves trailed the Clipper 93-83 with 8:54 left in the game after a Reggie Jackson 3-pointer. However, they went on a run that concluded with Russell hitting a shot from beyond the arc, which would give the Wolves a 97-95 lead. They never relinquished the lead and went on to win the game. The Wolves are making their second appearance in the NBA playoffs in 17 seasons. Also, this is the 10th time they have made the playoffs in their history.
The Grizzlies had a phenomenal season going 56-26 and finishing second in the Western Conference. Additionally, they went 12-4 over the final 16 games, cementing their spot. Now, Memphis faces a Minnesota team with whom they split the season series, with each winning their two home games. That is good news for the Grizzlies, who went 30-11 on their home court during the regular season. Memphis is looking to win their first playoff series since 2015.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Timberwolves-Grizzlies NBA playoffs odds:
NBA Playoffs Odds: Timberwolves-Grizzlies Odds
Timberwolves: +7 (-114)
Grizzlies: -7 (-106)
Over: 234.5 (-110)
Under: 234.5 (-110)
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Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread
Minnesota competed in all four games against Memphis. In the two games they lost, the Wolves lost by less than ten. They were spectacular at containing Ja Morant. Morant shot less than 50 percent in all four games the teams played this season. Additionally, he missed every 3-point shot over the last three games. He went 0-4, 0-7, and 0-3 from beyond the arc in those games. Minnesota's ability to force Morant into terrible shots allowed them to compete.
The Wolves must win the battle of the boards and contain Morant. Additionally, Minnesota has to stop Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson. When Morant struggles, these two rise to the occasion. Jackson scored 20 points, including six 3-pointers, in a 116-108 win on January 13 over Minnesota. Thus, he has proved that he can take over the game. The Wolves must contain him. Also, Minnesota needs help from the bench. In the loss in January, the bench combined for 13 points. The Wolves need more from that if they are to steal Game 1. Also, Minnesota has to retain possession of the ball. The Wolves ranked 23rd in the NBA in turnovers. They must improve in that aspect to keep up with Memphis.
The Wolves will cover the spread if they win the battle of the boards, contain Morant, excel off the bench, and not turn the ball over. If Minnesota can accomplish that, they might cover the spread or win.
Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
Memphis has accomplished plenty this season, even in stretches where they missed Morant. However, the playoffs are where they need Morant more than ever. As noted, he struggled in all four games against the Wolves. He must hit his shots from the field, including 3-pointers. His teammates have to cover their end by converting their opportunities off the floor. Additionally, the Grizzlies must do better from the charity line. Memphis ranked 28th in the league in free-throw shooting percentage. They converted 72% of their shots from the line in their recent battle against Minnesota.
Then, Memphis must stop the big three. Towns, Edwards, and Russell can all do damage, so the Grizzlies must be wary of that. The Grizzlies have to hit their shots from beyond the arc to keep Minnesota on its back heels. The Grizzlies ranked 16th in 3-point shooting percentage in the regular season. Morant, Jackson, and Bane must pick it up to set the Grizzlies up for success.
The Grizzlies will cover the spread if Morant thrives, they convert their free-throw opportunities, and land their shots from beyond the arc.
Final Timberwolves-Grizzlies Prediction & Pick
This will be one of the best series to watch. The Timberwolves have stayed close in both games in Memphis and could have won both games. However, the Grizzlies eventually pulled away in both games and covered the spread. Thus, the Wolves might hang around, but the Grizzlies have enough firepower to win the game and cover.
Final Timberwolves-Grizzlies Prediction & Pick: Grizzlies -7 (-106)
