The Memphis Grizzlies (15-22) clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-21) at FedExForum. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Free Prediction
In the Timberwolves’ last contest, they easily covered the 6-point spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-103. The combined points for the game (221) were over the O/U total of 217. The Timberwolves forced 20 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.568 (above their season average of 0.498). With 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting, Gorgui Dieng was Minnesota’s high scorer.
The Grizzlies defeated the Phoenix Suns in their last contest, 121-114, despite being 7-point underdogs. The total points for the game (235) were just under the O/U total of 236. Memphis made 18 of their 42 three pointers (42.9 percent). Phoenix, on the other hand, held the Grizzlies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.1 (below their season average of 22.2). Jonas Valanciunas led Memphis in scoring with 30 points on 12-for-16 shooting from the field.
The aggressive Minnesota offense might be getting to the charity stripe a lot in this battle. The Timberwolves rank eighth in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.214, while Memphis ranks 27th in FTA rate allowed (0.226).
Minnesota comes into the contest with records of 14-21 straight up (SU) and 15-18-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Timberwolves games, with 18 overs compared to 17 unders.
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 15-22 SU and 18-18-1 ATS. Grizzlies games also have a slight tendency to finish over the total (54.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Robert Covington (15 points,8.6 rebounds,2.0 steals,1.6 blocks) has been stellar for the Timberwolves while Jaren Jackson Jr. (19 points,6.6 rebounds,2.0 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies have won both matchups against the Timberwolves this season, including an eight-point victory in their last matchup. Memphis covered as a 12-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 222 points, which was 9 points below the projected point total of 231 points. The Grizzlies had a better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 13.7) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.490 vs. 0.453). Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double in the loss with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Timberwolves at Grizzlies Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Minnesota is 11-7-1 ATS with 10 overs and 9 unders.
At home, Memphis is 9-10 ATS with 12 overs and 7 unders.
Memphis is 1-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Minnesota is 2-1.
The Grizzlies are 15-17 when they score over 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 13-15.
Memphis ranks third in fast break points per game (16.3) while Minnesota ranks 28th (10.1).
The Grizzlies rank second in assists per game (27.6) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (22.2).
Minnesota averages 6.4 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Memphis ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
The Timberwolves average 14.2 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (14.6).
Memphis ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (45.1) while Minnesota ranks last (48.6).
The Grizzlies rank first in points in the paint per game (54.4) while the Timberwolves rank 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.8).
Minnesota averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Memphis ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.2) while the Grizzlies rank 17th (32.8).
Minnesota ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6) while Memphis ranks 27th (19.5).
Over its last five contests, Minnesota is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Memphis is 3-1-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Timberwolves have outscored opponents by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has lost by an average of 2.5 points.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 122.2 points per game (9.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
