Memphis Grizzlies- Minnesota Timberwolves: Match Preview, Odds, & Much More | 27 April

The Playoffs have thrown the NBA world in frenzy and as we unpack the race to the title, things are only going to become more intense. The Western Conference has seen closer fights and this is why there are a couple of series that are tied. The New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns are tied right now. And in that game, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in what has become the best-of-three scenario?

Win/Lose/Handicap: Bookmakers from 22bet favor the Grizzlies to win this game with the odds of 1.38. The Grizzlies lost by a point in the last game away from home but when the two teams played on their home floor last time, they blasted off with a 20+ points win. The Grizzlies have not shown their best during this series so far and I believe they will show what they are about here. I believe they will win this game at least by a margin of 8 points. (Handicap 1 -9.5 for 2.4)

Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict that the odds of Ja Morant going past 26.5 points(at least 27 points) are 1.95 here. Morant has scored 11, 16, 23 in the last three games and has nowhere been closer to the 27 points mark at least. I believe he will be breaching this mark and go against the trend, coming with his best effort of the series(Player Props: Player Points: Ja Morant Over 26.5)

Total: Bookmakers at 1xbet suggest that the odds of the total being over/under 232.5 are 1.97. The last game brought 237 points to the forefront and this has been a comparatively higher scoring series than most of the series around the Playoffs. I believe the total will be just “Under” the mark as the Grizzlies' defense will likely close in on the Wolves. (Total Under 232.5)

This game is available on the NBA League Pass.

The Grizzlies once again couldn’t receive a major production from Ja Morant, someone whose attempts have gone down in the recent games. Despite that, he has supplied quality playmaking while the sharpshooting of Desmond Bane has kept the offense going for the team. Jaren Jackson’s foul troubles are impeding the defensive integrity and with Steven Adams also not being a major part of the rotation, the Grizzlies have lost some of their physicality. Dillon Brooks had a solid night after a couple of off-games while Brandon Clarke has been the most consistent offensive player outside of Desmond Bane. Tyus Jones has been a factor while Kyle Anderson can also get it done in a limited capacity. The Grizzlies need to do much better on the defensive end.

The Wolves eked out a close win in Game 4 as they held out for a one-point win after an embarrassing Game 2 loss where they blew a 20+ points lead. Anthony-Towns finally came to his own and had a solid outing, compiling 30+ points. Anthony Edwards banged home 24 points and this is what is required from him. D’Angelo Russell has not been efficient this series and continues to struggle, shooting around 30%. On the other hand, Jarred Vanderbilt has had a couple of strong games while Malik Beasley keeps on being up-an-down. The Timberwolves have been making their outside shots and even Pet Bev chipped in with 17 points in the last game. The Timberwolves have beaten the Grizzlies once at the Grizzlies’ home-court advantage so let us see how this works.

• Grizzlies most likely starting five: PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr | C: Xavier Tillman Major bench players: Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clarke, Tyus Jones, Steven Adams;
• Timberwolves most likely starting five: PG: D’Angelo Russell | PG: Patrick Beverley | SF: Anthony Edwards | PF: Jarred Vanderbilt | C: Karl Anthony-Towns Major bench players: Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels, Jordan McLaughlin, Taurean Prince.