[8:00 PM] Timberwolves @ Grizzlies

Who will WIN this matchup?

Minnesota Timberwolves (0-0)

@ Memphis Grizzlies (0-0)

 

Current odds:

Minnesota Timberwolves: (-120)

Memphis Grizzlies: (+100)

 

• ESPN simulations have Minnesota as XX% favorites to win the game.

• XX% of sports bets are currently on Memphis to win as (TBD) underdogs.

• The line for this game is Timberwolves by 1 point.

• The Memphis Grizzlies handed out three max contracts over the last two summers and are hoping all that money leads to more than just another early playoff exit in the spring. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who visit the Grizzlies in the season opener on Wednesday, made their biggest move of the season off the court by hiring defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau to work with their talented young roster.

• Minnesota has not made the playoffs since 2003-04 and has not posted a winning record since the 2004-05 campaign but is excited about 2016-17.  The Timberwolves’ latest high draft pick was spent on Providence point guard Kris Dunn, who should find his way into Thibodeau’s rotation due to his strong defensive resume.

• Memphis brought in a new coach as well in David Fizdale, who is tasked with coaxing more offense out of a traditionally defense-first team. The Grizzlies went into a tailspin when Gasol went down with a foot injury and got a scare when he limped off the court during a preseason game, but he will be in the lineup on Wednesday after receiving treatment for a bone bruise in that same foot. Parsons is coming off his second right knee surgery in two years and is practicing with the team but won’t play in the opener.

• The Grizzlies took three of the last five meetings, though the Timberwolves secured a 114-108 win at Memphis in the last matchup on March 16.

• Minnesota C Nikola Pekovic (Achilles, ankle) is out for the season.

• Memphis G Tony Allen (knee) could be limited in the opener.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves

Confidence: 5/10

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