Minnesota’s energy after winning in the play-in game was greeted with skepticism from some observers. Celebrating as if they had just won a championship had some worried about betting odds NBA worried they weren’t focused on the task of taking on the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Timberwolves took less than a quarter to show they are a legitimate threat to move into the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Minnesota opened Game 1 with a 9-2 run that eventually ballooned into a 13-point lead in the first quarter. Memphis seemed a little shocked by the Timberwolves’ effort in a road victory in the series opener. However, the question for Minnesota will be can the Timberwolves recapture that magic and put the pressure on Memphis before the series heads to the Twin Cities.
The Timberwolves are hoping to win a playoff series for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
Last games records
Minnesota beat Memphis 130-117 in Game 1. The Timberwolves finished the regular season 46-36. The Grizzlies were 56-26.
Matchup Information
Timberwolves at Grizzlies Betting Analysis
Minnesota Betting Analysis
In the series opener, Minnesota played at a blistering pace that even an up-tempo Minnesota team couldn’t keep up with. The Timberwolves shot 50 percent (45-of-90) from the field and shot 88.9 percent (24-of-27) from the free-throw line. Minnesota grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and held the overall edge in rebounding 46-35.
Timberwolves small forward Anthony Edwards, who ranked 19th in the regular season by scoring 21.3 points per game, led Minnesota by scoring 36 points. Karl-Anthony Towns also had a strong performance for the Timberwolves, scoring 29 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Shooting guard Malik Beasley came off the bench to tie for a team-high four 3-pointers with Bennett. Beasley finished with 23 points.
Minnesota moved the ball well, recording assists on 32 of its 45 made field goals.
Memphis Betting Analysis
The team taking an upset loss was centered around the things the Grizzlies couldn’t accomplish. Memphis generated 86 field-goal attempts but struggled from the perimeter. The Grizzlies only shot 25.9 percent from the perimeter, making 7 of their 27 attempts. Memphis point guard Ja Morant scored 32 points and had eight assists, but didn’t make a 3-pointer.
The Grizzlies earned 43 trips to the free-throw line but shot 74.4 percent (32-of-43). Making free throws has been an issue all season for Memphis, which ranked 28th in the league by making 73.4 percent of its shots.
Memphis will have to show major improvement on defense to take down Minnesota. The Grizzlies, who ranked 12th in scoring defense in the regular season, allowed nearly 20 points over their average in Game 1.
Updates
Minnesota’s Taurean Prince is listed as questionable with a knee injury. Memphis’ Santi Aldama is listed as questionable with a sore right knee.
- Memphis is 44-38-2 against the spread.
- Minnesota is 44-38-2 against the spread.
- The over is 43-36-4 in the Grizzlies’ games this season.
- The over is 51-33 in the Timberwolves’ games this season.
- Minnesota is 30-17 against the spread following a win.
- Memphis is 11-13-2 against the spread following a loss.
Timberwolves at Grizzlies Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Memphis as a 6.5-point favorite over Minnesota. The Grizzlies’ moneyline is set at -265, while the Timberwolves are +215. Anyone looking for different kinds of NBA picks to make can wager on the over/under, which is set at 241 points.
Timberwolves at Grizzlies Betting Prediction
Minnesota took the NBA world by storm in Game 1, blitzing an unprepared Memphis team. The Grizzlies will have their backs against the wall in Game 2. When it comes to how Memphis defended Minnesota in the series opener, the Grizzlies will need to find a way to slow down Towns inside. Towns recording a double-double opened up their offense in a big way.
Memphis also needs to figure out a way to be more efficient on offense. The Grizzlies do an excellent job of getting to the free-throw line. But that isn’t going to do Memphis much good if it doesn’t convert those opportunities. The Grizzlies will find a way to even the series with improved defensive performance. However, Minnesota is the real deal and will cover the spread.
Bet the Timberwolves +6.5.
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