Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Picks, Predictions, and Odds: Game 2 NBA Playoffs

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to bounce back after a tough loss at home in Game 1. The Minnesota Timberwolves stole homecourt advantage and want to take a 2-0 lead back home, but beating the Grizzlies twice will be an uphill battle. Will the home team even the series or will the Timberwolves keep the foot on the gas? Let’s find out!

The Minnesota Timberwolves kept their momentum going and hit the ground running in Game 1 of the series, winning all but one quarter. They improved their record to 48-36 SU and 43-38-2 ATS by not only covering the 6.5-point spread but also taking a 13-point victory on the road.

Anthony Edwards proved why he was the first-overall pick just one year ago, shining in his playoff debut with 36 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks with 4 three-pointers, while Karl-Anthony Towns was also huge with 29 points and 13 rebounds.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ defense was nowhere to be found in Game 1. They allowed their rivals to shoot 50% from the floor and 39% from beyond the arc, while also getting outrebounded 11-8 on the offensive glass. Also, they allowed 50 points in the paint.

Grizzlies are now 56-26 SU and 52-30-1 ATS this season but they’re not the kind of team that usually loses back-to-back games. Also, Ja Morant was in MVP mode with 32 points and 8 assists and we expect him to be even better in the encore. All said and done, Game 2 of the playoffs is definitely going to be worth watching live to catch all the action.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Info

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBA TV
Location: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odd Analysis

Once again, the home team is favored by 6.5 points, which shouldn’t be a surprise considering they were the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and won’t allow the visitors to take home a 2-0 lead in this series. Clearly, oddsmakers expect a big response in their second game of the playoffs.

Moreover, the game total for Grizzlies vs Timberwolves is set at a whopping 241 points, which makes sense given they scored a combined 247 in the first game of the series.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks

As predicted, Game 1 gave us plenty of highlights and trash-talking, so the table has been set for another exciting game on Tuesday. Here, we’ll share our predictions for this matchup, and don’t forget to visit our special NBA picks page for more expert picks for the NBA playoffs!

Grizzlies Bounce Back And Cover The -6.5 Point Spread @-110 (Odds via BetMGM)

The Grizzlies rank first in offensive rebounds per game at 14.1, so we don’t expect them to be out dueled in the glass again, at least not in back-to-back games. Also, their Defensive Rating of 109 points proves they should be a better defensive team than what they showed in Game 1.

While containing both Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Town is a complicated task, Taylor Jenkins’ team has the personnel to at least prevent them from scoring a combined 60+ again. Also, the home crowd will be a big factor as the Grizzlies look to even the series.

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Timberwolves And Grizzlies Star In Another Shootout, Go Over The 241 points @-110 (Odds via Caesars)

While we do expect the Grizzlies to be better defensively in Game 1, we also expect them to push the pace even upper in the encore. They have a team that loves to run up and down the floor and Ja Morant is one of the fastest players in the league.

The Timberwolves waste no time on getting their shots up, so we expect both teams to try and get as many possessions as they can. While the Grizzlies will most likely end on top by double-digits, this will be a shootout from start to finish.

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Our Bonus Player Prop Pick: D’Angelo Russell o18.5 Points @-110 (Odds via FanDuel)

While Edwards and Towns will look to lead the way offensively, D’Angelo Russell will also look to bounce back from his 10-point performance in Game 1. He was a brutal 2/11 from the floor and 1/3 from 3, so we expect him to be more aggressive and efficient in Game 2, especially with most of the defensive attention focusing on his two teammates. That’s how the NBA playoffs work!

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