The Memphis Grizzlies (19-54) will attempt to end their 17-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves (42-32) at Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, March 26, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
The Grizzlies are trying to rebound after their 100-93 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in their last matchup. Los Angeles’ 0.483 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Memphis, who had a rate of 0.446. The Lakers’ mark was below their season average of 0.518, while the Grizzlies’ was below their season average of 0.497. JaMychal Green put together a good game for Memphis, finishing with 17 points and 16 rebounds.
In the Timberwolves’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Philadelphia 76ers, 120-108. Philadelphia’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Minnesota. The 76ers had a rate of 0.551 (above their season average of 0.531), while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 0.412 (below their season average of 0.527). With 15 points and 11 rebounds, Minnesota’s Gorgui Dieng had a good game.
Minnesota could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while Memphis ranks 21st in defensive efficiency.
Memphis comes into the game with records of 19-54 straight up (SU) and 29-41-3 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Grizzlies’ games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 42-32 SU and 33-38-3 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 74 games, 42 have finished over the O/U total.
Andrew Wiggins has averaged 20.4 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Timberwolves lost 95-92, unable to cover as 2.5-point favorites. Jimmy Butler led both teams with 30 points and also recorded five assists. The game finished with a total of 187 points, which was 14 points below the projected point total of 201 points. The Grizzlies made 21 of their 24 free throws (87.5 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.514 vs. 0.468).
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Memphis is 14-19-2 ATS with 19 overs, 15 unders and 1 push.
Minnesota is 18-17-1 ATS at home with 21 overs, 14 unders and 1 push.
Memphis is 12-11 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Minnesota is 16-4.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Timberwolves are 40-22 and the Grizzlies are 14-22.
Minnesota ranks fifth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while Memphis ranks 24th (42.1).
The Timberwolves rank second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Grizzlies rank 20th (8.0).
Minnesota ranks fourth in second chance points per game (13.8) while Memphis ranks 20th (11.5).
The Grizzlies rank 11th in fast break points per game (13.1) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (9.5).
Minnesota ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Memphis ranks 25th (5.2).
The Timberwolves average 17.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Grizzlies rank 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while Memphis ranks 12th (42.5).
The Timberwolves rank 18th in assists per game (22.6) while the Grizzlies rank 26th (21.3).
Memphis ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while Minnesota ranks last (22.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 6.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 112.0 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (8.1 above their season average).
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