Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 2 Prediction, NBA Odds
In addition to extending their current road win streak to three games, Saturday’s victory also marked just the second time in franchise history that Minnesota has opened a playoff series with a victory. Losers in four of five overall, including two straight at home, the Grizzlies look to avoid losing three in a row for the first time since mid-December.
Despite Saturday’s disappointing performance, the Grizzlies are pegged as 7-point favourites in Game 2, but maintain the support of just 43% of sports bettors. Memphis also continues to lead the way as diminished -123 favourites to eventually win this series. The T-Wolves lag as +229 moneyline underdogs on the Game 2 odds, and the total has dipped slightly to 241. In addition, Minnesota has improved to a +123 bet on the series prices, and sports +898 odds to sweep the Grizzlies.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies NBA Betting Odds
Tuesday night’s matchup at FedExForum marks the sixth overall meeting between these clubs so far this season. The Timberwolves have earned the win in three of their past four dates with Memphis, including back-to-back outright victories as betting underdogs. Game 1 marked a return to the high scoring that has marked recent dates between these high-scoring clubs after the UNDER prevailed in their previous two matchups. The total has now topped 230 in five of six meetings, spawning a 4-2 run for the OVER. However, these teams have combined to score more than 240 points in consecutive games just once in their past 30 clashes.
Despite their impressive Game 1 performance, the Timberwolves still have work to do to bury the memory of past playoff disasters. It has been 18 years since Minnesota last won consecutive playoff games, a feat they have accomplished just four times in franchise history. However, the T-Wolves offence has averaged a spectacular 135 points per game during a 3-0 run on the road. Conversely, the pressure is building for the Grizzlies, who now sport a dismal 3-13 record over their past 16 playoff contests, and covered just twice in seven postseason outings as home chalk.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards made a statement in his first-ever NBA playoff contest by leading all shooters with 36 points, and has now averaged 31 points per game in three trips to Memphis this season. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 29 points and 13 rebounds, and has recorded double-doubles in four straight outings. Veteran power forward Taurean Prince is listed as questionable after leaving Game 1 with a knee injury. Prince was a steady producer off the bench down the stretch, tallying double-digit point totals in 10 of his final 14 regular season outings.
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant showed no ill effects from a late-season injury, leading all Memphis shooters with 32 points including 16 points from the free throw line. Dillon Brooks contributed 24 points including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. However, as a whole the Grizzlies converted on just 25.9% of three-point attempts. Youngsters Santi Aldama and Killian Tillie both missed Game 1 due to injury, and remain listed as questionable for Tuesday’s contest.
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