The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies will face off Friday night in Memphis. Using data and other tools, in this post we’ll be making our Timberwolves-Grizzlies prediction and picks, highlighting Desmond Bane and Memphis’ solid start at home. For more NBA best bets, be sure to visit the OddsShopper tool.
The Grizzlies are 8-4 coming off an overtime road win at San Antonio on Wednesday night 124-122. The TWolves are 5-7, coming off a 12-point home loss to the Phoenix Sun 129-117 on Wednesday.
This line opened with Memphis as -5.5-point home favorites and early money is on the TWolves pushing the line donw to -4.0. The total opened 237.0 and has dropped to 234. Both teams look to be fully healthy for tipoff and there are no reported injuries. Bettors should head to DraftKings Sportsbook to tail the following TWolves-Grizzlies odds and predictions.
Best Timberwolves-Grizzlies Predictions & Odds
Timberwolves off to a slow start at 5-7
Minnesota comes into this game at 5-7, but their strength of schedule ranks 27th. They have played the Thunder and Spurs a combined five times already going 3-2 against them. Their other wins have come against the Rockets and Lakers. Their losses outside of the Spurs are against stronger clubs, but they have been at home (Bucks, Knicks, Suns, Jazz).
They are led by Karl-Anthony Towns who is averaging 21.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Anthony Edwards puts up 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. The big offseason acquisition, Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.8 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.
The TWolves are 21st in offensive rating, 17th in defensive rating, and 19th in overall net rating. This is a team that can beat opposition that is below them, but they have not shown the ability to compete with those above them. They play at the 2nd fastest pace next to Golden State.
Grizzlies off to strong 8-4 start; 4-1 at home
The Grizzlies are 4-1 in their last 5 games and 4-1 at home. They are 5th in points per game 116.8 and 5th in offensive rating, while allowing 115.2 points per game (22nd) and 23rd in defensive rating. For a team that scores a ton, they only play at the 17th fastest pace which is middle of the pack.
The Grizzlies are led by MVP candidate Ja Morant, who is averaging 28.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Desmond Bane has taken another leap forward as a star in this league with 24.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Center Steven Adams controls the middle with 11.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
Memphis is 7-1 straight up in its last 8 games at home against Minnesota and 6-1 straight up in their last 7 home games overall.
Final Prediction & Pick
The line movement on the TWolves is confusing as they have not shown to be able to hang with the top teams in the NBA, also the Grizzlies have been very strong at home. The total did come in a big high at 237, so I can understand why it is now 234. The line movement down on the Grizzlies helps in this case, as we get them at -4.0, but also just 118.5 as the team total. They have average 117.6 at home and get the 2nd fastest pace team in Minnesota. With Ja Morant and Desmond Bane playing well, it’s hard to pick against Memphis.
Timberwolves-Grizzlies Best Bet: Grizzlies -4.0 (DraftKings -110); Additional Bet: Grizzlies OVER 118.5 (DraftKings -120)
