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
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 p.m. ET.
- 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
Grizzlies
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).
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Against the spread
BET TIMBERWOLVES +6.5 (-110) instead of or heavier than their ML because there aren’t 3 possessions worth of difference between these two teams entering Game 1.
Maybe as the series goes on Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins uses his more talented roster to make adjustments that would make the Grizzlies a sharp play.
Also, there’s reverse-line movement headed in Minnesota’s direction since most of the money and action is on Memphis, but the Grizzlies have gone from 7-point favorites on the opener down to the current number (per Pregame.com).
Since it seems like the House wants more pro-Grizzlies money, let’s get on the same side as the bookmakers by BETTING TIMBERWOLVES +6.5 (-110).
Over/Under
PASS because this is a “sharp” total, we are getting the worst of the number since this game opened at 235 and there could be fewer possessions in Timberwolves-Grizzlies for this playoff atmosphere.
Minnesota is 30-11 O/U versus teams with a winning record this season and Memphis is 21-18-2 O/U with a plus-1.7 total margin at home, so if anything, I “lean” to the Over.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism