Go All in on Betting Grizzlies in Game 2 vs. Timberwolves in NBA Playoffs

Game 1 of the Timberwolves-Grizzlies series made for one of the most entertaining games of the weekend – with the Minnesota eventually outpacing Memphis 130-117 on the road. 

This series matches up two of the best young teams in the league with budding superstars on each side. The Timberwolves as the 7-seed won decisively as a road underdog in Game 1, but Vegas still has plenty of confidence in the Grizzlies even after the loss. Memphis is -290 on the moneyline and a 6.5-point favorite against the spread. 

Despite what I saw in Game 1, I’m going all in on the Grizzlies tonight – and here’s why you should too. 

The Grizzlies are 17-9 SU and ATS after a loss this season. They know how to bounce back. Minnesota came out firing and the Grizzlies were in the game until a couple daggers were thrown at the end. The Grizzlies had an out of character game as well. Normally, their defense is their backbone (top 5 in defensive rating in the regular season), but they allowed the Timberwolves to get whatever they wanted. Minnesota scored 41 points in the first quarter. That won’t happen today. 

The second part of this argument also has two parts: Jaren Jackson Jr. got in early foul trouble and the Grizzlies shot 27% from three. With Jackson off the floor, Karl-Anthony Towns was able to bully Steven Adams and get to the rim at ease. Jackson’s presence as one of the elite shot blockers in the game can seriously affect Towns if he’s on the floor this game. 

Next, the three-point shooting was clearly an aboration. The Grizzlies shot 35% from downtown this season. The worst 3-point shooting team in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder, shot 32%. That number will rise tonight and allow Memphis to stay in the game longer. 

Finally, and this point is crucial, Ja Morant posted this on Instagram (slide for the kicker) . 

He’s taken this personally. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

Who should you bet on this postseason? Check out BetSided's NBA playoffs edition of Fraud or Future!