The Memphis Grizzlies (31-17) battle the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-25) Friday. Tip from Target Center is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Grizzlies and Timberwolves have met twice this season with both teams covering at home. The Under is 2-0 with neither team having topped 115 in either matchup.
Memphis is coming off a 122-120 loss at the Golden State Warriors Wednesday but still covered as a 2.5-point underdog. The Grizzlies are 23-24-1 ATS this season yet are just 1-4 ATS over their last 5 games. Memphis is ranked No. 1 in opponents’ field goal percentage (44.7%).
Minnesota beat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-102 Wednesday, covering as a 2-point road underdog. The Wolves are 23-27 ATS this season and 4-1 ATS over their last 5 games. Minnesota ranks 4th in the NBA in field goal percentage (49.2%).
Grizzlies at Timberwolves odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Grizzlies -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Timberwolves +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -3.5 (-105) | Timberwolves +3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 238.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Grizzlies at Timberwolves key injuries
Grizzlies
- C Steven Adams (knee) out
- G Desmond Bane (knee) questionable
Timberwolves
- C Rudy Gobert (groin) questionable
- F Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Grizzlies at Timberwolves picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 118, Grizzlies 115
Moneyline
SPRINKLE TIMBERWOLVES (+130).
The Wolves are 16-10 straight up at home while Memphis is 11-14 straight up on the road. Both teams have won and covered on their home court this season.
Memphis has also lost 4 in a row, all on the road against Western Conference teams. The Griz return home after this game and may experience some fatigue as they wrap up a 5-game road trip.
Against the spread
BET TIMBERWOLVES +3.5 (-115).
The Grizzlies have been awful ATS in recent weeks, posting a 3-7 ATS record since Jan. 8. The Wolves are 6-4 ATS since that date, including 3-1 ATS at home.
Minnesota is top-10 in both offensive field goal percentage (49.2%, 4th) and defensive field goal percentage (46.7%, 9th), so it can play well on both ends of the court. Memphis, while flashy, ranks 20th in field goal percentage (47%) and 22nd in 3-point field goal percentage (34.9%). Its offense hasn’t been as dynamic, and on the road, it’s been even rougher.
Back the TIMBERWOLVES +3.5 (-115).
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 238.5 (-110).
While both offenses seem like high-pace attacks, it makes the total almost unplayably high. In both games between these games, the total has ended under 220, with the first meeting hitting 217 (Nov. 11) and the latter hitting 210 (Nov. 30).
Like Friday, both previous meetings had a closing total over 230 points, and with the Wolves’ leading scorer still out and the Grizzlies’ most dominant rebounder out, back the UNDER 238.5 (-110).
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