I was completely wrong about Game 5 being a blowout. Instead, we got an all-time classic resulting in a Ja Morant game-winner. Morant absolutely took over in the fourth quarter and gave the Grizzlies the all-important Game 5 victory.
The odds are most certainly in the Grizzlies favor to win this series now. Teams that win Game 5 when a series is at 2-2 have gone on to win the series 82.2% of the time with an all-time record of 180-39.
The Timberwolves have to be looking back at this series right now and thinking they should have already won it. Minnesota blew two 20-point leads in Game 3 and was in control throughout Game 5 until the final seconds.
Let’s dive in on my favorite bets for Game 6.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 6 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Thursday, April 28, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (-105), Grizzlies (-115)
- Spread: Timberwolves +1.0 (-110), Grizzlies -1.0 (-110)
- Total: Over 229 (-110), Under 229 (-110)
- Implied Score: Timberwolves 114, Grizzlies 115
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Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 6 Prediction
Once again, the key for the Timberwolves will be whether or not Karl-Anthony Towns can stay out of foul trouble. He picked up two early fouls in Game 5 but remained in the contest and played more cautiously on the defensive end.
This series truly has been entertaining to watch and deserves a Game 7, but I think the Grizzlies close it out on the road in Game 6. Minnesota’s confidence has to be absolutely deflated right now, and Memphis smells blood.
Back the Grizzlies to win Game 6 and advance to the second round for a matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 6 Score Pick
Grizzlies 113, Timberwolves 109
This game should be close, as the Timberwolves will be playing with their season on the line and their stars will show up. Anthony Edwards has an incredibly bright future, and at only 20 years old, had the confidence to take and make the game-tying three pointer in Game 5. He’s going to be a superstar.
If Towns stays out of foul trouble, the Timberwolves will have a good chance of winning this game, but I can’t trust it again. Morant will continue to attack the basket, and Towns will be forced to make contact and send him to the free-throw line.
If the game comes down to the last possession again, the advantage is with the Grizzlies solely because of Morant’s crafty scoring ability.
The Grizzlies will win this game, which will be a back-and-forth affair.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 6 Best Bets
Grizzlies Cover -1 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I was completely wrong about the Grizzlies covering the spread in Game 5 and blowing out the Timberwolves, but a one-point spread is much more reasonable here.
The Timberwolves have been talking trash in this series and have constantly been getting hit right in the mouth. The best counter the Grizzlies could ever serve the Timberwolves is closing out the series on Minnesota’s home court.
Take the Grizzlies to cover this spread on the road and close out the series in Minnesota in our NBA bet of the day.
Timberwolves First Quarter Moneyline (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Minnesota has now covered the first quarter spread in five straight games, and we’re going right back to the first quarter in Game 6. However, there is more value in just betting them to win the quarter instead.
- Check out our Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 6 Props for more on this NBA Playoffs series.
They have come out to a fast start in each game of the series, so why stop betting it? Look for Minnesota to have the lead at the end of the first in front of their home crowd.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 6 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+525)
- Grizzlies Moneyline
- Ja Morant: OVER 7.5 Rebounds
- OVER 229 Total Points
WAGER: 1 Unit
We hit another same-game parlay in Game 5 and have now hit three in this series Morant saved us by having a massive fourth quarter to give us the Grizzlies moneyline and the over on his points total.
We’re building a similar parlay yet again for Game 6 with the Grizzlies moneyline, but I am leaning on the Over in this contest. Vegas has brought the total all the way down to 229, and with free throws and threes at the end of this game, I’m predicting the Over will hit.
We’re going to take another Morant prop to our parlay here and go with his rebounds for Game 6. He has grabbed Over 7.5 rebounds in each of his last four games, so I am confident he will do it again here in Game 6.
PREVIOUSLY: Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Predictions
The Timberwolves finally got a superstar performance from Karl-Anthony Towns as they tied the series at two games apiece with a 119-118 victory. It was the closest margin of victory in the entire series, and free throws at the end of the game tipped the game just Over the total.
Ja Morant only had 11 points in the contest, but Desmond Bane had another tremendous scoring performance with 34 points on 8-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies were dealing with foul trouble the entire game, which led to 40 free throw attempts from the Timberwolves.
With the series all tied up, the teams are heading back to Memphis for a pivotal contest. Here are my best bets for Game 5.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Monday, April 25, at 1 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (+210), Grizzlies (-260)
- Spread: Timberwolves +6 (-110), Grizzlies -6 (-110)
- Total: Over 232.5 (-110), Under 232.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Grizzlies 119.25, Timberwolves 113.25
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Prediction
I previously predicted that the Grizzlies would win this series in 5, but the Timberwolves put an end to that with their Game 4 victory. I still believe the Grizzlies will win this series, and that means a Game 5 Memphis victory is on the table.
It might look impressive that the Grizzlies only lost by 1 point when Morant only scored 11, but during the season, this Memphis team was quite dominant when Morant was sidelined with an injury.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, rely on high-scoring performances from their best players to win in this series. Anthony Edwards exploded for 36 points in Game 1, and Towns scored 33 in Game 4.
If Towns stays out of foul trouble, he gives Minnesota a legitimate chance of staying in this series. However, I think the Grizzlies win Game 5 in front of their home crowd and put the Timberwolves on the brink of elimination.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Score Pick
Grizzlies 115, Timberwolves 103
This is going to be the Ja Morant game. He has been a fantastic facilitator the past few games, but we are going to get an all-time scoring performance from him in Game 5. He was the NBA’s leading scorer in the paint this season, and I expect him to attack the rim all game long.
Back the Grizzlies to win this contest comfortably at home and take a 3-2 lead back to Minnesota for Game 6.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Best Bets
Grizzlies Cover -6 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This is the first time all series I am betting on the spread for either team. I think the Grizzlies will actually win this game in a blowout, so I am backing them against the spread.
At home, the Grizzlies will get more of the 50/50 foul calls to go their way, and I can see Towns falling into foul trouble once again. If Morant plays more aggressively and attacks the paint, the fouls will start to add up and doom the Timberwolves.
Minnesota’s only chance in this series is Towns. He is a mismatch for the Grizzlies defense and can change the course of this series. He has yet to have two consecutive great games in this series, though, so he may be due for another letdown.
Back the Grizzlies at home to cover the spread.
Timberwolves Cover +2 First Quarter Spread (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This bet has hit in all four games of this series, so why stop betting it now? We hit on Timberwolves first quarter moneyline in Game 4, but now we’re going back to the spread.
- Check out our Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Props for more coverage of this NBA Playoffs series.
They are a team that loves to come out firing to start off but slowly cool down as the game progresses. I refuse to stop betting the Timberwolves in the first quarter until it loses.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 5 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+485)
- Grizzlies Moneyline
- Ja Morant OVER 26.5 Points
- UNDER 232.5 Total Points
WAGER: 1 Unit
This is similar to the same SGP we hit in Games 2 and 3, but the prop is different this time around. I think Morant is going to have a big scoring game, so I love his points total Over 26.5 points.
The Under is the one bet in this parlay that we could be sweating out late, as the total has split through four games. I am anticipating a blowout, which is why I think the Under is in play in this game.
PREVIOUSLY: Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Prediction
What a brutal meltdown by the Minnesota Timberwolves. They blew multiple 20-point leads in the game and the Grizzlies regained home-court advantage. We also hit all of our games bets, with the game Under hitting once again, the Timberwolves cashing in on the first quarter moneyline, and our same-game parlay.
The Grizzlies have all the momentum in this series now, and I don’t see how this young Timberwolves team can regain any confidence after that monumental letdown in Game 3.
Let’s dive in on my favorite bets for Game 4.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Friday, April 22, at 5 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (+130), Grizzlies (-150)
- Spread: Timberwolves +3 (-110), Grizzlies -3 (-110)
- Total: Over 232.5 (+100), Under 232.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Timberwolves 114.75, Grizzlies 117.75
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Prediction
I initially had the Grizzlies winning this series in five games, and I’m going to stick to that. The Grizzlies will win Game 4 in Minnesota and look to close out the series back home in Game 5. Ja Morant notched a triple-double in the Game 3 victory, and Karl-Anthony Towns fell victim to foul trouble, leading to a poor stat line.
The Grizzlies have found their defensive identity, and I expect them to put the clamps on the Timberwolves again. They’ve rolled out a smaller lineup since Game 1 with Steven Adams sitting on the bench for the entire game and Brandon Clarke getting a lot of run off the bench.
Game 4 will be another Memphis victory, and I’m definitely going to be looking at the Under again in this contest.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Score Pick
Grizzlies 112, Timberwolves 105
We finally got a game that was decided by single-digits, but it really wasn’t that close down the stretch. The Timberwolves had no offensive identity and were held to only 12 points in the final frame. The Grizzlies’ smaller lineup gave Minnesota some trouble as offensive fouls and unnecessary turnovers piled up.
Back the Grizzlies to win Game 4 on the road and prepare to celebrate with their home crowd on Monday night.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Best Bets
UNDER 232.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m going right back to the Under in this contest. The total went from 241.5 in Game 2 to 238.5 in Game 3. The total now sits at 232.5, and I still think that is too high. The high-scoring Game 1 was an anomaly.
I don’t see the Timberwolves only scoring 12 points in a quarter again, but 232.5 points is still too high for these teams to hit the total. As long as the Timberwolves don’t go crazy from beyond the arc, this Under will hit comfortably once again.
Timberwolves First Quarter Moneyline (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This is another bet that has hit in all three games, and I plan to keep riding it until I lose. The Timberwolves will definitely want to get off to a hot start in front of their home crowd in a must-win game for them.
- Check out our Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Props.
They dominated the Grizzlies 39-21 in the first quarter of Game 3, and we are getting tremendous value here for Game 4 with plus-odds on this bet. Towns and Anthony Edwards will come out of the gate wanting to prove something to their home fanbase.
The total for the first quarter sits at 57 points right now, and the Over on that is also worth sprinkling a unit on.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 4 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+625)
- Grizzlies Moneyline
- UNDER 232.5 Total Points
- Jarred Vanderbilt OVER 7.5 Rebounds
WAGER: 1 Unit
This is similar to the SGP we hit the last two games, but Ja Morant’s assist total has gone up from 7.5 to 8.5 now so we will pivot to Jarred Vanderbilt’s rebounds in this contest.
Vanderbilt played 32 minutes in Game 3, and with the Grizzlies putting out a smaller lineup, he matches up well against them and will see more run in Game 4 as well. He had 13 rebounds in Game 3.
PREVIOUSLY: Grizzlies-Timberwolves Game 3 Prediction
As expected, the Memphis Grizzlies dominated the Timberwolves in Game 2 to even up the series before heading to Minnesota. A near triple-double from Ja Morant was the catalyst for the Grizzlies victory.
We bet on the Under in Game 2, and that easily hit as the Grizzlies defense restricted the Timberwolves to only 96 points after they erupted for 130 in Game 1.
The Memphis bench was a key part to the Grizzlies victory, as they combined for 60 points. Four of the Grizzlies’ bench players even scored in double figures.
As the series heads to Minnesota for the first time, let’s dive in on my favorite bets for Game 3 between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 3 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Wednesday, April 20, at 5 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (+105), Grizzlies (-125)
- Spread: Timberwolves +1.5 (-110), Grizzlies -1.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 237 (+100), Under 237 (-120)
- Implied Score: Timberwolves 117.75, Grizzlies 119.25
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 3 Prediction
The Grizzlies seemed to figure out the Timberwolves in Game 2 by controlling the game from start to finish. Once they got out to a double-digit lead, they didn’t look back and ousted them at home.
Karl-Anthony Towns got in early foul trouble and only played 38 minutes with 15 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell failed to pick up the slack and logged 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting.
If the Grizzlies can hold the Timberwolves to under 40% shooting again, they will run away with this series. The Timberwolves have to force the Grizzlies to play more of a half-court game because that’s where they struggle. Minnesota had 19 turnovers in Game 2, allowing the Grizzlies to score in transition which is their bread and butter.
If they can limit their turnovers the Timberwolves will have a good shot to win Game 3, but I believe Memphis builds on this momentum and regains home-court advantage.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 3 Score Pick
Grizzlies 114, Timberwolves 111
The first two games of this series were blowouts, but I think we’re finally going to get a nail-biting finish in Game 3. This game will come down to the last possession, and I’m putting my money on Morant to come through for the Grizzlies.
I do believe this game will be played at a slower pace than the first two games, so I’m leaning toward the Under as well.
I’m taking the Grizzlies to win this game in a close finish that will have us all at the edge of our seats.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 3 Best Bets
UNDER 237 Total Points (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m going right back to the Under in this contest. The Timberwolves will protect the ball better at home, and the Grizzlies will carry over their defensive intensity from Game 2 to 3. Perimeter defense will be the crucial factor in the total score because the Timberwolves only made 11 threes in Game 2 after making 16 in Game 1.
The fourth quarter will be played at a slower pace than the rest of the game and will tilt this game to the Under.
Timberwolves 1st Quarter Moneyline (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Back home for Game 3, the Timberwolves will want to get off to a good start. Because of this, I suggest taking them to win the first quarter in this contest. They won the first quarter in Game 1 and covered the +2.5 spread in the first quarter of Game 2.
- Check out our Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 3 Props.
With the home crowd energy behind them, expect the Timberwolves to come out firing early on in Game 3.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 3 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+525)
- Grizzlies Moneyline
- UNDER 237 Total Points
- Ja Morant: OVER 7.5 Assists
WAGER: 1 Unit
We hit this exact same-game parlay in Game 2, and I’m going right back to the well. Morant has exceeded this assist total in both games, and I think the Grizzlies will steal Game 3 on the road.
At (+525) odds, this is a great value for a parlay we have already seen hit in this series.
The Timberwolves shocked Memphis by easily winning Game 1 of the series behind a huge game from Anthony Edwards. The second-year star out of Georgia scored 36 points in his playoff debut.
I talked about how the benches for both teams will be a key part of this series in the Game 1 writeup, and the Timberwolves bench showed up on Saturday. Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels combined for 38 points, while the top scorer off the Memphis bench was Brandon Clarke with only 13.
If the Grizzlies want to win this series they need to get more production from their bench and shut down the duo of Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Let’s dive in on my favorite bets for Game 2.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 2 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Monday, April 18, at 1 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (+240), Grizzlies (-300)
- Spread: Timberwolves +7 (-110), Grizzlies -7 (-110)
- Total: Over 241.0 (-110), Under 241.0 (-110)
- Implied Score: Grizzlies 124, Timberwolves 117
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 2 Prediction
Game 1 was a very back-and-forth contest until the fourth quarter when the Timberwolves pulled away late. This is now a must-win for the Grizzlies, because if they go down 2-0 before heading to Minnesota, this series is all but over for them.
The spread is the same as Game 1 with the Grizzlies favored by seven points, but the total has gone up by five points. The total closed at most books around 236 and 236.5 for Game 1, and that went easily over. I did like the Under in Game 1 and I was horribly wrong.
The Timberwolves shot 16-41 from beyond the arc and 50% from the field. It was a very impressive offensive performance, but I think they will come back down to Earth here in Game 2. The Grizzlies will amp up their defensive intensity and play better in the half-court in this contest.
Ja Morant had a great game, but he will need to get more help from Jaren Jackson Jr. and the bench players to win Game 2 at home.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 2 Score Pick
Grizzlies 121, Timberwolves 109
This is a must-win for the Grizzlies, and I think they will play better defense here in Game 2. They gave up a whopping 130 points in Game 1 and their perimeter defense was exposed by Edwards and Beasley. Both players made four threes in the contest and attempted 21 between the two of them.
Morant had 32 points, 16 of which came from the free-throw line. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the supporting cast did not do much of anything with only Dillon Brooks scoring over 20 points and Jackson Jr. struggling to get going from the field.
Take the Grizzlies to win this pivotal Game 2 and head into Minnesota all knotted up at one game apiece.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 2 Best Bets
UNDER 241 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m going right back to the Under in this contest. I don’t see the Minnesota offense replicating its Game 1 performance, and I’m backing the Grizzlies to win this game so the Under is definitely in play. The public might hammer the Over once again after the Game 1 result, but I am going to fade the public here.
The Over could see over 80% of the bets in this contest, and I definitely want to be on the opposite side of that.
Grizzlies Cover -2.5 1Q Spread (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Memphis will want to get off to a fast start in this game. We hit on our first quarter bet in Game 1 when we took the Over 60.5, and I’m going right back to the well with another first quarter bet for Game 2. The Timberwolves came out firing in Game 1 and had a 41-33 lead after the first. I think the opposite happens in Game 2.
- Read our Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 2 Props.
The Grizzlies will come out hot and take a lead into the second quarter in Game 2. With the home crowd buzzing, they will feed off the energy and cover the 2.5-point first quarter spread.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 2 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+390)
- Grizzlies Moneyline
- UNDER 241 Total Points
- Ja Morant: OVER 7.5 Assists
WAGER: 1 Unit
I think the Grizzlies will win Game 2, and I think the Minnesota offense will not be as effective as it was in Game 1. Because of this, I’m choosing both of these bets to go into my same-game parlay.
Lastly, we’re including Morant’s assists prop. The All-Star point guard will get his teammates more involved in Game 2, and I think they’ll make their shots this time.
The return of Ja Morant adds a level of excitement and uncertainty to this first-round series. The Grizzlies were an impressive 20-5 without Morant this season, which has forced guys like Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr.,and De’Anthony Melton to step up their game.
The Timberwolves are coming off a victory against the Clippers in the play-in game and are led by veteran PG Patrick Beverley. He has led this young Timberwolves squad all season long, but especially on the defensive end.
Beverley will no doubt draw the assignment of shutting down Morant in this series and could prove to be an annoyance for the young guard.
Let’s dive in on my favorite bets for Game 1 of this series.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 1 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Friday, April 15, at 4 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (+220), Grizzlies (-270)
- Spread: Timberwolves +6.5 (-110), Grizzlies -6.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 236.5 (-110), Under 236.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Timberwolves 115, Grizzlies 121.5
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 1 Prediction
The Timberwolves have actually played the Grizzlies well this season, splitting their four-game regular-season series while averaging 120.8 points per game. With two extremely young teams led by explosive offenses going head-to-head here, the books are predicting a high-scoring game.
I think the Timberwolves will keep this game relatively close throughout, but the Grizzlies will pull away in the fourth quarter with the home crowd behind their backs. The Grizzlies will showcase their stellar defense down the stretch and take a 1-0 series lead.
I like the game to be a bit low-scoring as well, especially in the second half as both teams will hamper down defensively.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 1 Score Pick
Grizzlies 118, Timberwolves 109
The Grizzlies will win Game 1 of this series, and a lot of it will be due to their home-court advantage. This is one of the youngest teams in the NBA, so the home crowd will help them get over their inexperience. Usually a young team is all offense with no defense, but the Grizzlies are actually fourth in the NBA in defensive efficiency.
Memphis also holds its opponents to 45.5% shooting from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc. The Timberwolves led the league in three-pointers made per game, so the three-ball will be how the Timberwolves stay in this game and this series.
Memphis is one of the best teams in transition, and if they force enough turnovers in this game, they could pull away with ease in the final frame.
Look for the Grizzlies to take Game 1.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 1 Best Bets
UNDER 236.5 Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This game opened at 234.5 and has now been bet up to 236.5, but I am going the opposite direction. I think after a quick start to the game, both teams will settle down to a more half-court game which would favor the Under.
The Grizzlies love to run and score in transition ,but as long as the Timberwolves protect the basketball, this game will be played at a slower pace.
- Check out our Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 1 Props.
Unders went 4-0 in the first round of the play-in games, with it easily hitting in Minnesota’s contest against the Clippers as well.
Take the Under 236.5 in this contest.
First Quarter: OVER 60.5 Points (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even though I like the Under for the game, I have to go with the Over in the first quarter. These two teams led the league in first quarter scoring in the regular season, and I think it will be a very fast-paced start to Game 1.
Both teams will look to run and score fastbreak buckets early on. With so many young players on both sides of the ball like Morant and Anthony Edwards, it will almost feel like a NCAA Tournament game.
Take the first quarter Over as both teams will go back and forth hitting threes to start the game.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Game 1 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+450)
- Grizzlies Moneyline (-270)
- Total Points UNDER 236.5 (-110)
- D’Angelo Russell OVER 18.5 Points (-125)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Here we’re combining two of my favorite picks for this game and one of my favorite props. D’Angelo Russell has played very well against the Grizzlies this season, and his points prop is set well below his 31-point average against Memphis over four games.
Additionally, the Grizzlies moneyline is a good way to juice this parlay up without too much risk, and the Under just feels right considering games tend to slow down in the postseason.
This will arguably be the most exciting first-round series in the NBA playoffs. Two of the youngest teams in the NBA — the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves — will go head-to-head for a chance to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.
With so much youth on both sides of the ball, one might think this will be an offensive showdown, but that might not be the case. The Grizzlies are fourth in the league in defensive efficiency, and the Timberwolves are 13th.
Patrick Beverley will most likely be tasked with shutting down Ja Morant, so the rest of the Grizzlies team will have to pick up the offensive slack to win this series.
Let’s dive in on this exciting 2 vs 7 matchup in the West.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Thursday, April 14, at 3 p.m. ET.
- Series Winner: Grizzlies (-400), Timberwolves (+310)
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Series Prediction
Along with the return of Morant, the Grizzlies have a healthy Dillon Brooks heading into the playoffs which is crucial and adds another scoring threat to their offense. In a way, the Morant injury allowed guys like Desmond Bane, De’Anthony Melton and Jaren Jackson Jr. to pick up the offensive slack and excel.
For the Timberwolves, this Grizzlies team is a whole new threat. These teams did split the regular season series, but Memphis will be a tough out, especially since they have home-court advantage.
Bench contributions will be massive, as both teams rely on their benches to provide a spark — both averaged more than 38 points per game this season. Additionally, its will be interesting to see how both coaches manage their lineups and rotations. There are versatile, two-way players on each roster.
One large advantage for the Grizzlies is their rebounding. They led the league in offensive rebounding, while the Timberwolves ranked 25th in defensive rebounding. If Memphis can feast on second-chance points, this series will come to a close in no time.
At the end of the day, this series is going to come down to which team can turn the ball over the least. Both teams excel at scoring in transition, and each ranks near the top of the league in blocks and steals per game.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Series Pick
Grizzlies in 5 games
With inexperienced teams like the Grizzlies and Timberwolves, home-court advantage is huge. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Memphis went 30-11 at home this season — the third-best home winning percentage in the league.
The Timberwolves have the leadership of Beverley to lean back on, and that will prove crucial in this series. However, this team makes too many mistakes that will hurt them against the Grizzlies.
In their play-in game against the Clippers, Karl-Anthony Towns committed silly fouls when he was already in foul trouble. Anthony Edwards‘ shot selection during crunch time was questionable. These are the mistakes the T-wolves cannot afford to make against Memphis.
I can definitely see this series being stretched to six games, but I’ll take the Grizzlies in five.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Best Bets
Correct Series Score: Memphis Grizzlies 4-1 (+250)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I see this series ending in five games, with the Grizzlies moving on to the next round. Memphis has just enough of an edge on both sides of the ball to beat the Timberwolves quickly.
Minnesota can definitely grab one game at home, but they’ll lose a close one in Game 4 before getting ousted back in Memphis in Game 5. However, if you feel like the Wolves will pull off the upset, betting on the number of games the series will go is the smarter bet instead of exact series score.
