Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Game 5 Betting Preview/Prop Picks

It's time for Game 5 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies. What originally looked as if it would be a quick series has turned into a competitive one.

The Timberwolves bounced back in Game 4, pulling off a 119-118 win. With the series tied at 2-2, one of these teams will take a step forward. The question is, can the Timberwolves do it?

For the Grizzlies, their once red-hot offense has begun to cool down. After winning both Game 2 and Game 3, they found themselves playing catch-up in Game 4. After suffering a Game 4 loss, they'll turn to Ja Morant tonight to put them in the lead.

Considering the Grizzlies are back at home tonight, it's safe to say they have an advantage. Will a home-court advantage be enough?

Minnesota Timberwolves: Still looking for more from Towns

The Timberwolves need to see another game from Karl-Anthony Towns, similar to Game 4. In the last game, Towns put up 33 points, along with 14 rebounds, and shot 8 for 17.

When you look at how good the Grizzlies' offense is, the Timberwolves can't afford to slow down. Towns is responsible for the interior defense as well; he can't allow anyone to penetrate the inside today.

One player for the Grizzlies that the Timberwolves need to focus on is Desmond Bane. Bane had 34 points in Game 4 and shot 11 for 18. If Minnesota can't slow down Bane, they'll have a tough time winning this game.

Remember, the Grizzlies are playing at home and have a record of 30-11 at home. Game 2 was in Memphis, and the Timberwolves were blown out 124-96.

Memphis Grizzlies: Morant needs to step it up immediately

Speaking of players who need to step up their game, Ja Morant is one of them. Morant scored just 11 points in Game 4 of the series. He shot 4 for 13 and went zero for two from beyond the three-point line.

With such a poor performance, it's no shock that the Grizzlies lost the game. Although Memphis could've still won despite Morant's performance, it definitely didn't help.

Game 5 will give Morant a chance to wash away his previous performance. Even if it doesn't mean elite scoring, he can still be a great distributor.

His off-ball ability is among the best in the NBA, putting up 15 assists in the Game 4 loss. If Morant can add efficient scoring to his assist ability, the Grizzlies will be in good shape. 

Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick

The Timberwolves come into this game as 6.5-point underdogs. On the road this year, Minnesota has a 21-20 record against the spread. After their previous performance, we can at least say they'll keep this game close.

Because of this, we'll take the Minnesota Timberwolves +6.5 tonight. However, we do believe that the Grizzlies will win this game tonight.

Along with the Timberwolves +6.5, we'll take the over as well. Each of these teams has elite offenses that score points easily.

We should also mention that Minnesota has one of the bottom-ten defenses in the NBA. The total has gone over in seven of Minnesota's last ten games, so it makes sense to take the over.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +6.5, OVER

Prop Picks

Minnesota (-110) OVER 113.5 Points

Minnesota is averaging 115.9 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 1 in the league. That average increases to 118.2 points per game on the road. Scores have gone OVER in 18 of the Timberwolves’ last 25 games as a road underdog. 

With Dunkel predicting a Memphis victory by the score of 121-120, take the Timberwolves (-110) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 113.5 points against the Grizzlies.

Karl-Anthony Towns (-120) OVER 23.5 Points

Towns averaged 24.6 points per game during the regular season, which ranked No. 1 on the Timberwolves and No. 11 in the league. That average increased to 25.0 points per game post All-Star break. 

With Dunkel predicting the Timberwolves going OVER their Vegas team point total, take Towns (-120) to finish OVER his Vegas point total of 23.5 points against the Grizzlies.

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