Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves 4/21/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Matchup Preview (4/21/22)

The playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves is tied at 1-1 after a huge statement game from the Grizzlies. Memphis won by nearly 30 points in that game and had an evenly distributed scoring night that saw seven players reach double-figures; Dillon Brooks was one point away from being the eighth. It’s virtually impossible to beat the Grizzlies when they are playing high-caliber defense and distributing the scoring so well.

Minnesota rolled over a bit in Game Two because it already accomplished its mission in Memphis: win one of the two games. Don’t expect the Timberwolves to lose by double-digits in this matchup, especially at home, where it recently beat the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers to ensure their playoff birth. The “X-Factor” for this game specifically will be Karl Anthony-Towns, who has been quite inconsistent in the playoff and play-in games so far. Minnesota desperately needs KAT to take advantage of his athleticism and perimeter shooting on a much more consistent basis.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds

Game Three should be completely different than the first two games. I’m expecting a tight game until the final buzzer, but I firmly believe the Memphis Grizzlies will walk away victorious. Since this game will likely be a barnburner, I will not be messing around with the spread. Instead, I will take the Grizzlies’ Moneyline and deal with the fact that it does not have great value. I’m banking on the fact that Memphis now has a lot of confidence after grabbing the big win to even the series. The Grizzlies are one of the best offensive and defensive teams, and I believe that they will make Minnesota’s life difficult on both ends.

How To Watch

Date: 4/21/22
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
Channel: TNT

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Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Steven Adams

Memphis Grizzlies Analysis

The “Game Two Memphis Grizzlies” are exactly who we thought we would see in the playoffs. They erased all doubts about their readiness, experience, and poise in the playoffs by pummeling the Timberwolves at home. The Grizzlies forced the Wolves to turn the ball over 19 times and shoot roughly 39% from the field and 28% from deep. Memphis shot 16 more times in Game Two than the Timberwolves did! With that being said, I’m not putting too much equity into that game; Minnesota did precisely what it needed to do, which was split games, and probably did not go all-out in Game Two. For that reason, I’m exercising a bit of caution in my optimism. Still, the Grizzlies should be able to keep these next two road games close and perhaps even steal one on the road to even the series again before heading home!

Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup

PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Patrick Beverley
SF: Anthony Edwards
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Karl Anthony-Towns

Minnesota Timberwolves Analysis

Don’t freak out too much about Game Two, Wolves fans (and backers.) Minnesota already accomplished its goal of splitting games with the Grizzlies on the road, so it is not shocking that it laid down halfway through the game. Sometimes, playoff basketball is about playing chess, and this was not a game they needed to risk it all for. Once Memphis pulled away, there was little reason to try and catch up after grabbing one win on the road. The Timberwolves now control their destiny; if they win every game at home, they win the series and move on. However, it will require a substantial amount of energy and effort from all players involved defensively and a strong offensive effort, particularly from Karl Anthony-Towns, who had a miserable performance (by his standards) in Game Two. KAT has to stay out of foul trouble and shoot it as well as he did in Game One for the Timberwolves to have a shot at stealing the series from Memphis.