The Memphis Grizzlies will play the Minnesota Timberwolves twice in the next three days, so I bring you the best betting pick for Wednesday night’s clash at Target Center in Minneapolis along with the latest odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
According to Minnesota head coach Ryan Saunders, Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) is expected to play against Memphis, so the T-Wolves will come in full strength. On the other side, the Grizzlies are still without Ja Morant (ankle), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), and Justise Winslow (hip).
Memphis hopes for another road victory
The Memphis Grizzlies (4-6; 5-5 ATS) have won two straight games following three consecutive losses on the home court. They snapped a skid with a 115-110 home victory over Brooklyn as 1-point dogs last Friday, while the Grizzlies started Week 4 with a 101-91 win at Cleveland as 2-point favorites.
The shorthanded Grizzlies almost blew a 16-point lead against the Cavaliers who also have some serious injury problems. Memphis shot 51.3% from the field and handed out 32 assists while scoring 64 points in the paint, so it’s fair to say that the Grizzlies fully deserved to win.
Considering Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s absence, it’s no strange that the Grizzlies have the fourth-worst offensive rating in the league (104.1). They shoot only 44.7% from the field (20th in the NBA) and 33.2% from beyond the arc (28th). Still, the Grizzlies work hard on the defensive end, allowing 106.6 points per 100 possessions (5th) on 45.6% shooting from the field (15th).
Minnesota wants to get things going with KAT back in the lineup
The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-7; 5-5 ATS) put an end to a terrible seven-game losing streak this past Sunday, outlasting the San Antonio Spurs 96-88 as 4.5-point home dogs. Karl-Anthony Towns missed his seventh game this term, but the T-Wolves finally played some good defense, allowing just 39 second-half points.
D’Angelo Russell went off for 27 points and five assists, while Malik Beasley added 24 points and three rebounds. The Timberwolves made 42.0% of their field goals, but they limited the Spurs to only 38.3% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the 3-point line.
Minnesota has the sixth-worst offensive rating (106.1) and the third-worst defensive rating in the NBA (115.8). The Timberwolves are 24th in field goal percentage (44.5%) and 25th in 3-point percentage (33.7) while ranking 27th in opponent field goal percentage (48.6%).
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”nba/timberwolves” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Trends:
Memphis:
- N/A
Minnesota:
- 3-1 ATS in the last four games overall
- 4-1 ATS in the last five games against Southwest Division
The Winner Prediction
The Timberwolves opened the season with a couple of wins over Detroit and Utah but struggled mightily without Karl-Anthony Towns over the previous two weeks. KAT returned in a 125-122 overtime loss to the Spurs this past Saturday, posting 25 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks in 37 minutes on the floor.
Minnesota overcame Towns’ absence last time out which is a huge boost for the T-Wolves’ confidence. As I’ve mentioned, the Timberwolves are coming in full strength, so I’m expecting a strong performance and an ATS victory over Memphis. Without their best players, the Grizzlies will have some ups and downs. After two straight wins, I’m looking for some regression.
Pick: Take Minnesota -2.5 at -110
The Total:
The Timberwolves have to improve a lot defensively if they want to join the playoff race, and the clash against the inefficient Grizzlies’ offense is a good starting point. I’ve said how poorly these two teams have shot the ball thus far, so betting on the under makes sense. Also, I think the visitors will try to slow things down and lean on their defense.
Seven of the last ten encounters between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves went in the under, as well as their previous five matchups at Target Center.
Pick: Go under 220.5 points at -110