Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction 01/07/20

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The Memphis Grizzlies (15-22) will be at home in FedExForum when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-21). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last game. The Grizzlies (7-point underdogs) defeated the Phoenix Suns 121-114, while the Timberwolves (6-point favorite) beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-103. The Memphis game finished 1 point under the projected point total of 236, while the Minnesota game finished 4 points over the projected point total of 217.

Minnesota dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.7 (worse than their season average of 12.4) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.568 (above their season average of 0.498). Cleveland recorded marks of 17.8 and 0.524, respectively, for those same stats. Memphis, on the other hand, made 18 of their 42 three pointers (42.9 percent). They also held Phoenix to 6-26 (23.1 percent). Memphis rallied around Jonas Valanciunas, who had 30 points and eight rebounds. Gorgui Dieng played a key role for Minnesota with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

The Grizzlies have won both contests against the Timberwolves this year. The two teams combined to put up 222 points in their most recent game, which was under the projected point total of 231. Memphis won 115-107, covering as a 12-point underdog. The Grizzlies’ 9.1 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Timberwolves, who had a rate of 13.7. Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double in the loss with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

A little over half of the Timberwolves’ games have finished over the total. Minnesota comes into the game with records of 14-21 straight up (SU) and 15-18-2 against the spread (ATS).

Coinciding with Minnesota, Grizzlies games have gone over the total 54.1 percent of the time. Moreover, Memphis owns records of 15-22 SU and 18-18-1 ATS.

The Timberwolves’ Robert Covington has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 15 points,8.6 rebounds,2.0 steals,1.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. has averaged 19 points,6.6 rebounds,2.0 blocks during that same time frame for the Grizzlies.

The physical Minnesota offense seems poised to dominate from the foul line. The Timberwolves currently rank eighth in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.214, while Memphis ranks 27th in FTA rate allowed (0.226).

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Free Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.2) while the Grizzlies rank 17th (32.8).
  • Memphis ranks third in fast break points per game (16.3) while Minnesota ranks 28th (10.1).
  • The Timberwolves average 14.2 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (14.6).
  • Memphis ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (45.1) while Minnesota ranks last (48.6).
  • Minnesota averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. Memphis ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
  • The Grizzlies rank second in assists per game (27.6) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (22.2).
  • The Grizzlies average 54.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the league. The Timberwolves rank 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.8).
  • Minnesota ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6) while Memphis ranks 27th (19.5).
  • Minnesota ranks fourth in blocks per game (6.4) while Memphis ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
  • When allowing below 100 points, Memphis is 1-0 and Minnesota is 2-1.
  • The Grizzlies are 15-17 when they reach 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 13-15.
  • Memphis is 9-10 ATS at home, while Minnesota is 11-7-1 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 10 of the Timberwolves’ 19 road games, while 12 of the Grizzlies’ 19 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Grizzlies are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 4-1.
  • In their last five games, Memphis has 4 overs and 1 under, while Minnesota has 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 6.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Memphis has lost by an average of 4.0 points.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 106.2 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.4 points per game (13.9 below their season average).