Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Predictions
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies clash in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoffs first round series on Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves stole Game 1, 130-117 behind a memorable performance from 20-year-old phenom Anthony Edwards, who was making his playoff debut. Here’s a complete breakdown, including betting odds and free NBA picks.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 – 08:30 PM EDT at FedExForum
The Grizzlies opened at -7 at BetOnline and this sportsbook set the total at 241 in their NBA odds board. FiveThirtyEight has the Grizzlies as 5-point home favorites, projecting them to win 70 percent of the time. There’s a gap between the projections and the actual odds, should we take the road team and the points or hammer the total?
Game 1 Recap
Anthony Edwards finished with 36 points on 12 of 23 shooting, with six assists, one steal and two blocks, leading the Timberwolves to their first Game 1 victory since 2004. This is also the first time they have had a lead in a playoff series since 2004.
Karl-Anthony Towns bounced back after a rough showing in the play-in game against the Clippers by scoring 29 points on 11 of 18 shooting with 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 32 points on 8 of 18 shooting to go along with eight assists, four rebounds and a steal but he was just 16-for-20 from the free-throw line. Dillon Brooks added 24 points on 7 of 14 shooting for Memphis and Brandon Clarke had 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting with 12 rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Prediction
Edwards was 4-for-11 from beyond the arc, he made a few off-the-dribble two-point shots and was able to mix in some rim attacks in a phenomenal effort. He made all eight of his free-throw attempts and had just two turnovers. Can he replicate this terrific all-around offensive game on Tuesday?
The Grizzlies didn’t even make many mistakes against Edwards but he was just too much for them. He came out feeling like the best player on the court and while he might regress a bit, I can see him having another big game, which makes me lean towards Minnesota here.
The Wolves needed all that shot-making from Edwards in Game 1 because they didn’t get much of it from D’Angelo Russell, who shot just 2 of 10 in 29 minutes and finished with 10 points and nine assists. D-Lo will bounce back in Game 2 and while I see the Grizzlies winning the game, especially if Jaren Jackson Jr. stays out of foul trouble, Minnesota has nothing to lose, they have an excellent Big Three in Towns, Edwards and Russell and they will compete in every game and make this a very interesting series. We are getting too many points with them! Enjoy the game and find more NBA picks here.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +7 (-110) at BetOnline