Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview/Prop Picks

After Game 1, things between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies are heating up. The Timberwolves came into town and beat the Grizzlies 130-117, getting a 1-0 start.

Now, before they head back to Minnesota, they get to steal one more from the Grizzlies. Led by a strong group of young scorers, the Timberwolves will try to go up 2-0 in the series. 

The Grizzlies find themselves in a tough spot, especially because of their defense. Their offense put up 117 points in the first game, but their defense wasn't up to the challenge.

After having a game to figure out the Timberwolves, we'll see if the defense improves. Scoring a ton of points is a great way to win, but it doesn't matter if the defense isn't up to snuff. 

Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns needs a big game

In the first meeting between these two, Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring. By the final buzzer, Edwards had put up 36 points and paired it with six assists.

In the same game, Karl-Anthony Towns put up 29 points with 13 rebounds. The important thing to remember is the Grizzlies have likely gone back to the drawing board. They'll have a new plan to guard Towns.

Because of this, it's important that the Timberwolves find a way to get Towns involved early. This will batter down the interior of the Grizzlies and allow Edwards to perform.

Towns can knock down shots from beyond the arc; the Timberwolves need to have a few plays for this. If he can start to threaten the Grizzlies from the perimeter, Minnesota will have this game locked up. 

Memphis Grizzlies: A lackluster defense will be their downfall

Although it's only game two of the series, concerns are growing for the Grizzlies. Their problem the entire season had nothing to do with their incredible offense. In fact, they rank second in the NBA in scoring, just behind the Timberwolves.

Although they can average 115.63 points per game, they also allow 110.17 per game. This defense needs to step it up tonight.

Ja Morant had a 32-point game against the Timberwolves in Game 1. However, his outing wasn't enough because he didn't get much help from his bench.

Steven Adams, the starting center, had zero points and three rebounds after playing 24 minutes. It'll be impossible for the Grizzlies to win without a team effort, something we hope to see today.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick

After watching how each team performed in Game 1, we think the Timberwolves will take Game 2. They come in as seven-point underdogs here as well, which only sweetens the bet. The Grizzlies' defense is their main downfall here, which is why we believe they'll lose. 

Over their last three games against the Grizzlies, the Timberwolves are 2-1. Even if they lose this game, the spread should be large enough to cover the margin of victory. We'd also recommend taking the over since both of these teams can score easily. 

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +7, OVER

Prop Picks

Minnesota (-120) OVER 116.5 Points

Minnesota is averaging 115.9 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 1 in the league. That average increases to 118.7 points per game on the road. The Timberwolves have gone OVER in 37 of their last 53 road games.

With Dunkel predicting a Minnesota victory by the score of 126-123, take the Timberwolves (-120) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 116.5 points against the Grizzlies.

Ja Morant (-115) OVER 29.5 Points

Morant averaged 27.4 points per game during the regular season, which ranked No. 1 on the Grizzlies and No. 9 in the league. That average increased to 30.1 points per game post All-Star break.

With Dunkel predicting the final score to go OVER the Vegas total, take Morant (-115) to finish OVER his Vegas total of 29.5 points against the Timberwolves.

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