Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Game 2 Pick ATS

Minnesota Timberwolves (48-36 SU, 44-38-2 ATS) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (56-27 SU, 52-30-1 ATS)
When: Tuesday April 19 2022, 08:30 PM (ET)
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennesee
TV: BSN

Point Spread: MIN +7/MEM -7 (Opened GSW -7.5 at BetNow)
Total: 224 (Opened at 223.5)
Money Line: Minnesota 235/Memphis -290
Power Rating: MEM -6

Probable Starting Lineups

Minnesota Timberwolves PG Patrick Beverley, SG De’Angelo Russell, SF Anthony Edwards, PF Jared Vanderbilt, C Karl-Anthony Towns
Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant, SG Desmond Bane, SF Dillon Brooks, PF Jaren Jackson, C Steven Adams

Key Injuries

Minnesota Timberwolves Taurean Prince: Knee (QUESTIONABLE)

Memphis Grizzlies Killian Tillie: Back (OUT) Santi Aldama: Knee (QUESTIONABLE) Tyrell Terry: Foot (QUESTIONABLE)

The Memphis Grizzlies host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:30 PM ET at the FedEx Forum.

Recent Form

The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game with an overall record of 46-36, placing them 7th in the Western Conference. On the season, Minnesota has won exactly half of their 42 road matchups, sitting at 21-21. Over their last five games, the Timberwolves have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Minnesota is averaging 120.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 116.0. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. Even though Minnesota has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 120.0 points per game, up from the Timberwolves’ usual rate of 113.2. In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most recent game, Minnesota took down Memphis by a score of 130-117

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with an overall record of 56-26, placing them 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, Memphis is above .500 at home, holding a record of 30-12. Over the Grizzlies’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Memphis’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 118.0 points per game. Combined, the Grizzlies’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Grizzlies’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 125.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 110.2. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent game, the team fell to Minnesota by a score of 130-117.

Individual Player Analysis

As Minnesota travels to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, the Timberwolves leading scorer is Karl-Anthony Towns. Through 77 games, Towns is averaging 24 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 49.0% of his games. Against the Grizzlies, Towns will need to be on top of his game as Memphis is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 38.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Ja Morant leads the Grizzlies in scoring, averaging 27 points across his 57 games. Throughout the season, Morant has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. On the season, the Timberwolves have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.72% of their games, giving them a rank of 18th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 31 of Memphis’s 80 games, leading to a winning percentage of 74%. So far, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played 7 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 7 times, by an average margin of -12.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies have met up for 5 games. In their last meeting, Minnesota picked up a 130-117 win.

How the Public is Betting the Timberwolves vs Grizzlies

67% are betting the Grizzlies against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 224

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Timberwolves are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.
• Timberwolves are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS win.
• Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
• Grizzlies are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 home games.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

One of the narratives heading into this series was how both the Grizzlies and Timberwolves feature rosters of young and inexperienced players. Between the two units, Minnesota’s duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, had no problem stepping up to the moment, putting 36 and 29 points, respectively. In tonight’s matchup, the Wolves will once again look to win the battle of outside shooting, as Memphis is known for relentlessly attacking the basket. Even in the Grizzlies’ 13-point loss, they still outscored Minnesota in the paint by a margin of 60 to 50. Even though the odds suggest that Memphis is in line for a bounce-back performance, I recommend taking the Timberwolves to keep this game close. Look for the Wolves to cover at +7.