Memphis +8 over MINNESOTA
The Memphis Grizzlies try to extend the longest winning streak in franchise history tonight when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have won the last seven meetings between the teams. The Grizzlies have won six straight games and have already set a franchise record with 24 victories this season, securing that distinction with a 124-92 home rout of the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
Minnesota improved to 1-2 on a four-game homestand with a 111-95 victory over Portland on Sunday. They have won their first two games against Memphis this season by just eight points combined, including an overtime session. Five of the last nine games between the teams have been decided by four points or less, which gives us good reason to believe this one will also be close. Spread-wise, Memphis is 5-0 at Minnesota, 14-4 ATS off a win of 10+ points, and 5-1 ATS on the road playing with revenge for a previous road loss. Conversely, the T-Wolves are the opposite, 1-5 ATS, hosting such opponents. When facing teams looking to avenge 2 losses, Minnesota is a poor 5-16 ATS.
Memphis is also 8-1 ATS on the road with a home game the following day, including taking the last 5 straight, 10-2-1 ATS on the road off a home win vs. foes also off a home win, including a perfect 4-0 since moving to Elvis' home town, and a perfect 5-0 ATS in Tuesday road games this season. While we do expect Minnesota to pull out the win, we look for it to be a typical close Wolves-Grizzlies battle.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: MINNESOTA 105 MEMPHIS 100