The Memphis Grizzlies (7-15) look to snap their 11-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-10) at FedExForum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 4, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Minnesota is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 203.5 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves will be looking for a similar outcome after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in their last matchup, 112-106. The Timberwolves had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 6.4 (better than their season average of 12.5) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.6 (above their season average of 25.7). Minnesota rallied around Jimmy Butler, who was the game’s high scorer with 33 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
The last time the Grizzlies played, they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 116-111. Converting at the free throw line was one of Cleveland’s largest advantages. They were 21-23 (91.3 percent), while the Grizzlies were 12-14 (85.7 percent). Tyreke Evans had a solid performance for Memphis, leading the team in scoring with 31 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Memphis ranks 30th in possessions per game (95.8) and Minnesota is 24th (98.4). Moreover, the Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 percent), while the Grizzlies rank 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (76.7 percent).
Minnesota heads into the game with records of 14-10 straight up (SU) and 10-11-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Timberwolves have gone over the total 47.8 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 7-15 SU and 7-14-1 ATS. Vegas tends to set the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 14 of their 23 games have ended under the O/U total.
Butler has averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
After the Grizzlies won three out of four matchups against the Timberwolves last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, Memphis won 107-99. The Grizzlies made 33 of their 39 free throws (84.6 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (8.7 vs. 11.3).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 6-5-1 ATS with 7 overs and 5 unders.
Memphis is 3-9 ATS at home with 10 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 7-1 when they allow less than 100 points, while Memphis is 5-3.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Timberwolves are 13-6 and the Grizzlies are 4-4.
Minnesota ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.9) while Memphis ranks 29th (8.7).
The Grizzlies rank fourth in assists allowed per game (20.3) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (24.4).
Memphis ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.0) while Minnesota ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (13.3).
The Grizzlies rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the Timberwolves rank 20th (17.8).
Minnesota ranks fifth in steals per game (8.8) while Memphis ranks 22nd (7.4).
The Grizzlies rank eighth in blocks per game (5.4) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (3.5).
Minnesota ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (40.8) while Memphis ranks 15th (43.4).
The Grizzlies rank 19th in three pointers attempted per game (27.2) while the Timberwolves rank 29th (23.1).
Memphis averages 43.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Minnesota ranks 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Memphis is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Timberwolves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 93.0 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
