Memphis Grizzlies will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second match of their playoffs tie at FedExForum. The home side looks forward to bouncing back after a surprising defeat in the series opener. The visitors are in great momentum, and they want to pick up where they left off.
Memphis hasn’t started the post-season as expected, as they are 1-0 down after the first match in front of their fans. However, they seek improvement in this one, and the first playoffs win on the home court. On the other hand, Minnesota pulled a surprise on the road, and they want to build up on that performance. The away side aims for another excellent display and an attempt to stun the rival again.
Memphis Grizzlies – Will they bounce back with a win?
The Grizzlies didn’t plan to start the NBA playoffs series with a home defeat against a team that entered the post-season through the play-in. It was a poor defensive performance that resulted in the fourth loss on the previous five occasions. Despite scoring 117 pts, Minnesota allowed 130 and couldn’t prevent a defeat. Although the hosts made seven turnovers less, their field goal percentage was below 50.0, while they were also inferior in the paint.
Ja Morant was the most productive player for the Grizzlies again, scoring 32 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and a pair of steals for 35 minutes on the court. Dillon Brooks produced 24 pts, followed by a rebound and one assist, while Desmond Bane had 17 points, three rebs, an assist, and one block. Brandon Clarke had a team-high 12 rebounds, followed by 13 points, two assists, and a pair of steals, while Jaren Jackson Jr. had amazing seven blocks and 12 pts. Regarding the selection issues, the Grizzlies won’t have many since Killian Tillie is out while Santi Aldama is questionable.
Expected Line-Up: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Steven Adams
with best odds
Minnesota Timberwolves – Can they move the series home with an advantage?
The Timberwolves managed to carry on the momentum from the play-in series, and they pulled the biggest upset in the playoffs so far. They were in control of the match, especially in the first and the final period. As a result, Minnesota packed massive 130 points, having a very good 50.0 field goal percentage. They also had 11 rebounds more than their opponents, which neutralized their seven extra turnovers. Despite D’Angelo Russell’s poor shooting performance, he managed to contribute with ten points and a team-high nine assists to his team’s valuable victory.
Anthony Edwards was the player of the game with 36 points, six assists, a pair of assists, and a steal for 40 minutes on the court. Karl-Anthony Towns was pretty dominant with 13 rebounds and 29 points, while Malik Beasley scored 23 pts, followed by five rebs, two assists, and one steal. Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 15 points and three blocks, while Patrick Beverley was another double-digit player, scoring ten. The T-Wolves can be optimistic ahead of this clash since they have no selection worries.
Expected Line-Up: Patrick Beverley, D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Jarred Vanderbilt, Karl-Anthony Towns
Expert Pick #1 – Memphis Grizzlies -6.5 @-110
Although the visitors are full of confidence, Memphis shouldn’t drop two games at the start of the series on the home court. I expect them to tighten the defense and bounce back on Tuesday evening. Therefore, I’ll take the Grizzlies to win and cover as my first pick.
Expert Pick #2 – Over 240.5 @-110
The Over has been a very common outcome for both teams this season. It cashed 42 times in the Timberwolves’ last 60 games, while the previous four Grizzlies’ games went over the margin. That’s why I’ll go with the Over as my second bet.
Expert Pick #3 – Ja Morant Over 29.5 @-125
The Grizzlies’ most efficient player in the regular season was pretty productive in the first game, but that wasn’t enough for a win. I see him producing another excellent display and finishing the game in the 30s. That’s going to be my third pick, although the odds are not as high as in the first two.
