The Memphis Grizzlies (22-36) and Minnesota Timberwolves (37-23) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will broadcast live on FDSN.
The Timberwolves are 14.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies on the spread (Timberwolves -14.5), with the over/under set at 237 total points. Minnesota is a -850 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Memphis is +575 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, March 3.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks
- Grizzlies vs Timberwolves pick: Anthony Edwards 9+ First-Quarter Points (-105)
My Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies best bet is on Anthony Edwards to record 9+ first-quarter points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Odds
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 237 -110o / -110u | +575 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 237 -110o / -110u | -850 |
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves NBA Preview
This looks like an extremely lopsided matchup on paper, as the Timberwolves are looking to secure their fourth consecutive win against a rebuilding Grizzlies' squad that parted ways with Jaren Jackson Jr. ahead of this year's trade deadline.
However, the Grizzlies are still playing competitive basketball and have covered the spread in two of their three meetings with Minnesota this season.
Memphis isn't short on offense despite its lack of star power.
Grizzlies' role players have scored efficiently during their current two-game winning streak, as five of their players averaged at least 15.0 points across their triumphs against the Mavericks and Pacers.
Scottie Pippen Jr. and Olivier-Maxence Prosper were serviceable starters in those contests. They might be relegated to lesser bench roles to make room for players returning from injury on Tuesday, though.
Whether that will disrupt Memphis' offensive rhythm remains to be seen.
Minnesota, on the other hand, is very healthy and seems poised to get its usual scoring flurry from Anthony Edwards. He's averaging 36.0 points per game through two matchups against the Grizzlies.
All signs point to him being as aggressive as usual in his fourth and final regular-season meeting with them.
Cedric Coward (knee), Santi Aldama (knee), and Ty Jerome (thigh) are questionable for Memphis, while Zach Edey (ankle), Ja Morant (elbow), and Brandon Clarke (calf) have been ruled out.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Predictions, Betting Analysis
My best bet for this matchup centers around Anthony Edwards scoring 9+ points in the first quarter.
Edwards ranks second in the NBA in first-quarter minutes per game (11.0). He's played the entire first quarter and scored 12 points in each of his matchups against Memphis this season.
Edwards attempted 8.5 first-quarter field goal attempts per contest in those outings and converted at a 52.9% rate.
Pick: Anthony Edwards 9+ First-Quarter Points (-105)
Spread
I like the Grizzlies' odds to cover the spread against the Timberwolves for the fourth time this season.
Memphis has done a great job of staying in games on the road as of late and could get a boost if any of the aforementioned players listed as questionable suit up.
Jerome stands out as the Grizzlies player to watch if you're betting on the spread, as he's averaging a career-high 19.6 points per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 41.2% from deep.
His game management and efficiency as a lead guard make a huge difference, and Memphis is 5-3 against the spread when he plays.
The Grizzlies have also covered the spread in four of their previous five road games, despite entering four of those matchups as underdogs.
Moneyline
I have no play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'll stay away from the total in this game.
