In the third game of the Western Quarter Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Memphis Grizzlies. The game will be held on 22 April at 02:30 AM (+3 UTC). The series is tied and after the Timberwolves baffled the Grizzlies in Game 1 with a 13 points victory, the Grizzlies roared back with a brilliant 28-point win to split the first two games. Can the Timberwolves extract an advantage on the home floor or are the Grizzlies going to continue their song?
Best bets on Timberwolves vs Grizzlies
Total: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that Total Over/Under 236.5 has the odds of 1.90. The total may look bloated considering most of the games in the Playoffs have fallen under that count by a comfortable margin but both teams engaged here love shootouts. The first game fetched a total of 247, and the second game had a total of 222. I believe it will go “Over” here.. (Total Over 236.5 for 1.90)
Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.86 for Desmond Bane going Over 18.5 Points here(At least 19 points). In the first two games, the elite three-point shooter didn’t go past that mark. However, I believe this will be the game where the young sharpshooter will score at least 20. (Player Props: Player Points: Desmond Bane Over 18.5)
Handicap: Bookmakers at 1xbet give the Grizzlies an edge here but they are predicting a close game and the Timberwolves have been given a handsome chance to seize a win here. The handicap of -1.5 in favor of the Grizzlies brings the odds to 1.92, which makes for a close bet as per the bookmakers. However, I believe the Grizzlies will be up big here and I’d choose the handicap of at least -4.5 which has the odds of 2.22. (Handicap 2 -4.5)
Where to Watch Timberwolves vs Grizzlies
This game is available on the NBA League Pass.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves saw a taste of their own medicine as the fast-paced style of Grizzlies overwhelmed them. They shot below 40% as a team and couldn’t even make 30% of their three-pointers while committing a whopping 19 turnovers compared to just 10 by the Grizzlies. D’Angelo Russell’s form is a concern as he has now shot below 30% in two games straight. The team did well going to the line, earning 28 free throws and clicking on 25 of them but the shooting percentage will need to be around 45% at least against the Grizzlies. They also allowed 14 offensive rebounds. The Timberwolves scored just 17 in the second quarter and this is where they lost the plot.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies showed that their second-best record was no fluke and they responded at a big rate. Their defense clicked at its best on the home floor and the team managed to shoot 48% from the floor, attempting 16 more field goals than the Timberwolves. Ja Morant scrapped 23 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds to lead the team but Brooks struggled from the floor, going for 3/11 from the floor. Xavier Tillman saw some decent floor time and came up with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. clicked on four out of his seven triples after a cold 0/5 shooting stretch in the first game. The Timberwolves are strong on their home floor and the Grizzlies will be looking for a strong finish.
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies: possible lineups
- Timberwolves most likely starting five: PG: Patrick Beverley | PG: D’ Angelo Russell| SF: Anthony Edwards | PF: Jarred Vanderbilt | C: Karl Anthony-Towns;
- Grizzlies most likely starting five: PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Jaren Jackson | C: Steven Adams.
