Top US sportsbooks online favor Memphis over Minnesota in game 2 of their NBA playoff series. The Timberwolves went into Memphis and won Game 1 against the Grizzlies with a 130-117 win. Now, Minnesota hopes to win Game 2 and take a 2-0 series lead before heading home.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | +7 ( -110 ) | 241 ( -110 ) | +240 |  |
| Grizzlies | -7 ( -110 ) | 241 ( -110 ) | -280 | |
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Betting Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves are road dogs according to the best online sportsbooks. Minnesota came out swinging in Game 1 and never looked back. The Wolves shot better, won the battle on the boards, and converted their free-throw attempts. Moreover, the bench came through for the Wolves, just like it did during the regular season.
Anthony Edwards scored 36 points in Game 1. He went 12-for-23 from the field. That includes four conversions from the 3 point line. Karl-Anthony Towns had 29 points with 13 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell had 10 points and nine assists.
Patrick Beverley added 10 points. The starters had plenty of support from the bench. Malik Beasley had 23 points, with four 3-point conversions. Jaden McDaniels had 15 points and seven rebounds. The bench scored a total of 43 points.
The Timberwolves have two superstars in Towns and Edwards. They also have Russell, who can handle the ball as well as anyone in the league. The Wolves have muscle and finesse to allow them to set the pace and thwart the Grizzlies.
It allowed them to win the rebound battle 46-35 in Game 1. Their ability to convert free throws was a big reason they won the first game. The Wolves hit 88.9%. The Grizzlies converted only 74.4%. Minnesota will cover the top sportsbooks online spread if it gets a strong lead early.
This will force Memphis to play on its heels and mount a rally. It will relieve pressure off the bench and allows players to play freely. Because of this, players like Beasley and McDaniels will have a chance to shine and not worry about forcing bad shots.
The Wolves have big men to take the battle of the boards. Scoring early, controlling the rebounds, and converting free-throw attempts will help Minnesota cover the spread.
Betting Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are home chalk at top sportsbooks online. Memphis has one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. However, the Grizzlies have struggled with the Timberwolves all season. Game 1 was no exception.
Ja Morant had 32 points with eight assists. He shot 8-for-18 from the field. He didn’t hit a 3-pointer. Dillon Brooks scored 24 points on 7-for-14 shooting. Desmond Bane had 17 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
Jaren Jackson struggled with 12 points on 4-for-13 from the floor. He went 0-for-5 on 3-point shots. The Memphis bench scored 32 points. The Grizzlies will hope for a better performance on defense. They allowed 130 points. Memphis allowed Minnesota 41 points in the first quarter. They will need to make adjustments to win Game 2.
The Grizzlies have to play better defense and stop the two best players on the Wolves. Memphis needs Jackson to do better. He must recover from an underachieving Game 1 performance. The Grizzlies have struggled from the 3 point line all season, and did so again in Game 1.
Memphis shot 25.9% from beyond the arc. That has to improve if the Grizzlies are to keep up with the Wolves. Converting free-throws would go a long way toward helping Memphis win. Finally, they must control the battle on the boards.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Picks
The Grizzlies have to play with more energy than they did in Game 1. Memphis has the skills to stop Minnesota. But the question remains whether they can do the deed. The Grizzlies might be more resilient. But it is hard to trust Memphis to win a close game.
