The No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies host the No. 7 seed Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday for Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Tip-off at the FedExForum is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Minnesota punched its ticket into the postseason by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 Tuesday in the first play-in game.
Memphis wrapped up the No. 2 seed weeks ago and were 1-3 straight up (SU) and 1-2-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last 4 games as a result.
The Grizzlies were 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS versus the Timberwolves this season with the Over/Under (O/U) going 2-2.
Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA April 16 playoff breakdown
Timberwolves at Grizzlies odds and lines
- Money line (ML): Timberwolves +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Grizzlies -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Timberwolves +6.5 (-110) | Grizzlies -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 237.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Timberwolves at Grizzlies key injuries
Timberwolves
- None
Grizzlies
- None
Timberwolves at Grizzlies picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 117, Grizzlies 114
Money line
SPRINKLE on the TIMBERWOLVES (+220) if at all. Their spread is the sharper play but there’s some value in the ML.
Both of these teams have similar identities, but the Grizzlies are more efficient, which is why they should win this series.
However, in this game, I see the T-wolves riding the momentum of their play-in victory over the Clippers like the Grizzlies did last season when they upset the then-No. 1 seed Utah Jazz in Game 1.
Furthermore, both Minnesota PG D’Angelo Russell and C Karl-Anthony Towns have played very well versus Memphis this season.
Russell averaged 31.0 points on 70.8% true shooting (.558/.463/.792) with a plus-22 net rating in the 4 regular-season games against the Grizzlies. Memphis has a tough frontcourt defense, but KAT averaged 23.3 points in those 4 games on 52.1% shooting with a plus-9 net rating.
Again, the plan is to hit Minnesota’s spread harder but I’ll SPRINKLE on the TIMBERWOLVES (+220).