Tip off: 8:05 PM EST
Spread: MIN -4
Total: 197.5
M/L: MIN -190, MEM +160
The Grizzlies have started the season out 2-3 after an impressive playoff run that ended in the disappointment of the Conference semis. After losing two of their first three this season, they dropped a humilating one to the Bulls in which they managed only 60 points. Last night (Tues) was more impressive, as Rudy Gay and Sam Young combined for 43 points on a combined 18 of 29 from the floor as the Grizzlies blew out the lowly Kings. Still, on the second night of a back to back, the Grizz find themselves 4 point underdogs to a much improved Wolves team.
Kevin Love has been downright nasty. He lost 20 lbs coming into the season and it has enabled him to log 39 minutes a night with few signs of fatigue. He’s hitting 44% from three and grabbing 15.2 rebounds per game to go with his 25.4 points per game. Quietly, he has developed into arguably the best power forward in the NBA, and the Wolves are on the ascent. With youngster Ricky Rubio now aboard and Derrick Williams in the fold, the pre-existing core of Michael Beasley and Kevin Love is now looking pretty strong.
Memphis Betting Trends:
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games and the total has gone OVER In 4 of their last 6 games as well. The Grizzlies are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games. They are also 0-5 SU in their last 5 road games and the total has gone UNDER in 4 of the Grizzlies’ last 5 games against the Wolves. The Grizz are 7-1 SU in their last 8 against Minny and they are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 against the Timberwolves. The total has gone UNDER In 4 of the Grizzlies’ last 5 games on the road against Minnesota.
Minnesota Betting Trends:
The Wolves are 2-18 SU in their last 20 games and the total has gone UNDER In 5 of their last 7 home games. The Wolves are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games at home and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs Memphis. The Wolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 against Memphis and the Wolves are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games against Memphis. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the Wolves’ last 5 games at home against the Grizzlies.
Key Matchup:
Rudy Gay vs. Michael Beasley
This matchup at small forwards features two of the best scorers in tonight’s game. Beasley is fighting with a lasceration his hand but still had a decent game last night after going 3 of 10 the game prior. Gay has stepped it up, but with Zach Randolph out, the Grizzlies are clearly not the same team. If Z-Bo had been good to go, the premier matchup would have been good to watch at power forward of Love and Randolph, but we’ll settle for this second rate showdown between B-Ease and Rudy. All indications are that Gay’s superior athleticism should enable him to dominate Beasley, but Beasley’s offensive gifts and natural knack for scoring should at least keep Gay active on defense.
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