Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies 4/16/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions
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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Preview (4/16/22)
After successfully defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, the Minnesota Timberwolves will travel to Memphis for the first two games of their first-round series against the Grizzlies. Minnesota trailed heading into the fourth quarter but was able to pull it together and finish off one of the hotter teams in the NBA. Memphis will have its hands full with the Timberwolves and their electric offense that is first in offensive rating in the league since the beginning of 2022. Led by Patrick Beverley, this Wolves defense has turned things around recently, ranking tenth in the NBA in defensive rating since March 1st.
Even when Ja Morant is out, the Grizzlies have destroyed virtually every team they have played this season. Perhaps, I should say “especially” when Ja Morant is out. Memphis was 20-2 without Morant before punting the last three games of the season because they served no purpose with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference locked up. Still, the Grizzlies are obviously better with Morant, who was considered a darkhorse MVP candidate until the past month or so. There is a deeper analysis of this game and its potential outcomes underneath this section, so take a look!
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds
Seven points is a lot for a Timberwolves team that has surged recently to get, even if they are on the road. It’s hard to trust a Timberwolves team with minimal playoff experience outside of Patrick Beverley, but much of the same could be said for the Memphis Grizzlies. They are also a young and relatively inexperienced team. Regardless, I will take the Grizzlies against the spread in this matchup. Dillon Brooks is back, and this team is completely healthy and ready to go.
In regards to the point total, I don’t see the over hitting in this game unless these two teams shoot the lights out of the ball. Minnesota and Memphis play incredibly fast as both rank in the top four in pace in the 2021-22 season. Regardless, a substantial amount of defense will be played in this game, and each team will focus on finding the best shot. I could also see the Wolves coming out a bit cold and struggling in the first half, making the 234 point total very difficult to get to by the end of the game.
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How To Watch
Date: 4/16/22
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Arena: FedExForum – Memphis, TN
Channel: ESPN
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Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Patrick Beverley
SF: Anthony Edwards
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Karl Anthony-Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Analysis
It’s no mystery that the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled with culture for at least one decade. Since drafting Andrew Wiggins, there is not much positive to say about the organization, despite their accumulation of several high draft picks. Patrick Beverley may be regarded as annoying by some, but his arrival has turned a lot around quickly. The Timberwolves have an elite offense, but efficiency can sometimes be an issue, especially if Anthony Edwards gets cold. For the Wolves to beat the Grizzlies, they have to shoot it exceptionally well because there’s a slight possibility of them playing better defense than Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Steven Adams
Memphis Grizzlies Analysis
Who knew the Memphis Grizzlies would be so incredible this season? Perhaps, the Memphis Grizzlies were the only ones who knew, because no one that I know predicted it. Ja Morant has been the missing piece for this organization, and his personality is infectious to the rest of the team. This season, Morant posted huge numbers, averaging 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting just shy of 50% from the floor. Memphis is a fantastic basketball team, but there are still some weaknesses, including their three-point shooting. The Grizzlies rank 17th this season in 3P% (three-point percentage), and that could be an issue when playing a team that can score in bunches like the Wolves. This is not a deterrent for me in betting on them, but it is something to keep an eye on as the series progresses. Truthfully, I think they would have rather faced the Clippers in the first round, even though they have been playing phenomenal basketball.
