NBA Playoffs Western Conference: Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Betting Preview for Game 2

Game number two kicks off between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday Night at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. In Game 1 of the series, the Minnesota Timberwolves maintained their momentum and ran away with it, winning all but one quarter.

Despite the loss, the Memphis Grizzlies are still favored at home after taking over the number two overall seed in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves and the Grizzlies matchup very well and this should be another battle of some of the youngest and brightest stars in the NBA. Let’s dive deep into the upcoming game so you can make your bets against their NBA Playoffs Odds.

NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Game Two – Timberwolves at Memphis

Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview: Timberwolves Take Game One

The Timberwolves were able to run away with game one of the series thanks to a complete effort by the entire Minnesota squad that was led by Anthony Edwards who totaled 36 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in his playoff debut, while Karl-Anthony Towns was also huge with 29 points and 13 rebounds. In the stunning win, Malik Beasley was also able to add 23 points and Jaden McDaniels had 15.

Minnesota came out with a bang right away and didn’t look back as they went on a 9-2 run to start the game and led by as many as 13 points before taking a 41-33 lead in the first quarter for the franchise’s highest-scoring opening quarter in the playoffs. The Timberwolves have a ton of momentum in this one as they are coming off a play-in game victory over the Clippers and their first playoff win since 2004.

Minnesota has been outstanding on the road this season with 20 wins and they also led the NBA in points per game and shooting 36.7 percent from three-point range away from home. This is an entertaining team to watch as the Timberwolves concluded the regular season with the sixth-best offense averaging 113.8 points per 100 possessions and slightly above-average defense (13th overall) conceding 111 points per 100 possessions.

Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview: Memphis Sluggish in First Playoff Game

The Grizzlies will have to move on from their Game 1 loss and they should have short-term memory with their young core as this is a team that has disproved a lot of doubters this season. Ja Morant scored 32 points in Game 1 and could play with even more vigor in Game 2. Jaren Jackson Jr. also demonstrated why he is one of the top defensive players in the NBA with seven blocks and 12 points in Game 1.

Dillon Brooks scored 24 points and Desmond Bane was also a strong contributor going 6-for-15 from the field for 17 points. Jaren Jackson, on the other hand, struggled. He went 4-for-13 from the field for 12 points. He also went 0-for-5 on three-pointers. The bench for Memphis scored 32 points. The Grizzlies will be aiming for a better defensive showing after allowing 130 points last time around. Furthermore, after allowing Minnesota to score 41 points in the first quarter, Memphis will have to make adjustments in order to win Game 2.

The Grizzlies were directly behind Minnesota in terms of points per game this season, averaging 115 per game. They’ve also dominated on the glass, leading the league in rebounding percentage and ranking sixth in defensive rating.

Betting Odds and Lines

MyBookie has the Memphis Grizzlies listed as the -7 point home favorites in this matchup, while the total number of points is at 221 in the latest odds.

Free Betting Pick

The Timberwolves caught the Grizzlies off guard and came out firing in Game 1 with a 130-117 victory. Memphis had a whole week off and appeared to be a step slow on defense, while the Timberwolves were fresh off a play-in victory. Memphis tops the league in rebounding % and are ranked sixth in defensive rating and that was not on display Saturday night.

I believe the result of this game will be similar but Memphis will come out much better than they did in their first matchup with Minnesota. However, I think seven points is just too many against the Timberwolves. Minnesota defeated Memphis twice this season, the first by a stunning 43 points, and their only loss to them was in overtime. They should have a pretty good chance to keep this series competitive.

MyBookie Free Pick: Timberwolves +7

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?