The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-40) travel to FedExForum to go head-to-head with the Memphis Grizzlies (29-43). The Timberwolves look to put an end to their five-game losing streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23, 2019, and can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last contest. The Timberwolves (5.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 113-106, while the Grizzlies (5.5-point favorites) fell to the Orlando Magic, 123-119. The Minnesota game finished 4.5 points under the projected point total of 223.5, while the Memphis game went 27 points over the projected point total of 215.
Minnesota had a better free throw rate (0.205 vs. 0.180) while Memphis held Orlando to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.7 (below their season average of 21.4). Memphis rallied around Jonas Valanciunas, who recorded 23 points and 24 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns, meanwhile was a key piece for Minnesota with 21 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.
The Grizzlies lead the season series two games to one. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 214 points, which was over the projected point total of 206.5. Memphis won 108-106, covering as a 4-point underdog. The Grizzlies’ 7.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Timberwolves, who had a mark of 13.5. Towns finished with 26 points and 18 rebounds.
Games including the Timberwolves have finished over the total 54.2 percent of the time. Minnesota heads into the contest with records of 32-40 straight up (SU) and 34-38 against the spread (ATS).
Grizzlies games have a tendency to go under the total (57.7 percent). Moreover, Memphis is 29-43 SU and 33-37-1 ATS.
Ball protection could play an integral role in this meeting. Minnesota commits the third-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Memphis forces the third-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.9 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Free Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank 17th in rebounds per game (45.3) while the Grizzlies rank 27th (41.2).
- Minnesota ranks second in second chance points per game (15.5) while Memphis ranks last (10.6).
- The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Grizzlies rank 18th (7.7).
- Memphis ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.9) while Minnesota ranks 14th (48.4).
- Minnesota averages 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Memphis ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.9).
- The Grizzlies average 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.7).
- The Timberwolves rank 16th in fast break points allowed per game (13.8) while the Grizzlies rank 27th (16.1).
- Minnesota ranks 25th in three pointers attempted per game (28.7) while Memphis ranks 26th (28.1).
- Memphis ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (23.1) while Minnesota ranks 26th (26.1).
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 15-7 and Minnesota is 11-0.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Grizzlies are 20-19 and the Timberwolves are 31-34.
- Minnesota is 15-23 ATS on the road, while Memphis is 20-16 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 19 of the Grizzlies’ 36 home games, while 20 of the Timberwolves’ 38 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Grizzlies are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 0-5.
- In their last five games, Memphis has 4 overs and 1 under, while Minnesota has 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 2.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 104.4 points per game (8.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 120.0 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
