The Minnesota Timberwolves (22-20) and Memphis Grizzlies (27-15) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Grizzlies are 5.5-point favorites over the Wolves on the spread (Grizzlies -5.5), with the over/under set at 235 total points. Memphis is a -230 favorite to win outright, while Minnesota is +190 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Picks, Prediction
Spread
With Ja Morant officially listed as questionable for this contest, and the Grizzlies tagged as 5.5-point home favorites, I will opt to stay away from picking either side of the spread until we get more clarity.
Moneyline
Similarly, I do not have a moneyline pick for today's matchup.
Over/Under
My Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves best bet is in the Over at 234.5 total points, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Over 234.5 (-115, BetMGM)
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 235 -110 / -110 | +190 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 235 -110 / -110 | -230 |
- Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies spread: Grizzlies -5.5
- Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies over/under: 235 total points
- Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies moneyline: Timberwolves +190, Grizzlies -230
- Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies best bet: Over 234.5 (-115)
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Preview
It is a big day in the NBA as the league honors Martin Luther King. As usual, TNT's doubleheader will begin in Memphis as the Grizzlies host the Timberwolves. The matchup figures to pit two of the league's young stars, Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant, against each other after they were at the center of the last meeting.
Morant had a rough game with 12 points and four turnovers on 5-for-19 from the field. However, with 18 seconds left to go, Morant hit a floater over Edwards to give the Grizzlies a 127-125 victory.
That was the only game in his last five that Morant was held under 20 points this season. He is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 assists per game this season.
However, Morant may not get another shot at the Timberwolves today as he is questionable for today's game with a foot injury. If Morant can't go, it will be the 19th game he has missed this season.
One player who is off the injury report tonight is second-year forward GG Jackson II. As a rookie, Jackson showed promise and averaged 14.6 points and shot 35.7% from 3 during an injury-riddled Grizzlies' season.
It will be interesting to see how Jackson's return affects the Grizzlies' rotation with a healthier roster, including this year's rookie sensation, Jaylen Wells.
The rookie continues to see his minutes increase as he is averaging 30.9 minutes this month while scoring 14.1 points per game with 44/45.8/85 shooting splits. He did not have one of his more efficient games against Minnesota, but he still finished with 13 points.
Two players who did perform well in the last meeting were Jaren Jackson Jr. and Julius Randle at the power forward spot. Jackson had 33 points and eight rebounds on 13-for-24 from the field. He has actually scored at least 33 points in each of his last three games against Minnesota.
Randle had 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the last matchup.
With the Knicks, Randle had 10 rebounds in five straight games against the Grizzlies, which has now turned into eight rebounds in six straight meetings. However, he has also pulled down at least six rebounds in each of his last 10 games overall.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies are fifth in offensive rating and play at the league's fastest pace. As a result, the Over is 28-14 in Grizzlies' games this season. More recently, the Over is 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.
Meanwhile, Minnesota represents a strong foil with the seventh-best defensive rating in the league and ranking 27th in pace. Yet, the Over has hit in four of their last five games with three of the five landing over 230 points.
After the Under hit in three consecutive regular season meetings, the Over has hit in five of the last six meetings. The last meeting had a total of 232.5 and went over by nearly 20 points. While today's total is two points higher, recent trends from both teams and in series history suggest that the Over is the best bet here.
Morant being available would help both the pace and the scoring in this game. However, in his absence, Scotty Pippen Jr. is averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 assists as a starter.
If Morant is out, Jackson will see more offensive possessions in search of another big game against Minnesota. He is averaging 25.8 points over his last nine games.
Wells shot 4-for-13 from the field against Minnesota, but it did not stop from getting into double figures. The rookie has scored 11 points in six of his last nine games, reaching 13 in five of them.
The faster pace will also led to more possessions and rebound opportunities. That sets up well for Randle as he has been strong on the glass of late. Randle is averaging 7.2 rebounds per game for the season. If he gets there again, this parlay should cash.
Best Bet: Over 234.5
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 21.5 Points
- Jaylen Wells Over 10.5 Points
- Julius Randle 6+ Rebounds
Parlay Payout: +319
Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves Betting Trends
