Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves prediction, odds: 2022 NBA playoff picks, Game 1 best bets from model on 85-55 run

A Western Conference battle in the 2022 NBA playoffs features the Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36) going on the road to play the Memphis Grizzlies (56-26) on Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of this first-round series. The Timberwolves outlasted the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 in the play-in matchup on Tuesday to claim the No. 7 seed. Memphis has been stellar throughout the season and locked down the No. 2 seed. 

Tipoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET at FedExForum. Memphis is favored by 6.5 points in the latest Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under is 237.5. Before making any Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves picks, you need to see the NBA playoff 2022 predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s advanced computer simulation model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters the 2022 NBA playoffs on a stunning 85-55 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning almost $2,400. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves, and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies:

• Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies spread: Memphis -6.5
• Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies over-under: 237.5 points
• Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies money line: Minnesota +220, Memphis -270
• MIN: Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last five Saturday games
• MEM: Grizzlies are 8-0 ATS in their last eight Saturday games

Why the Grizzlies can cover

Guard Ja Morant is the team’s centerpiece, but Memphis has a deep roster. Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. can dominate the game on the defensive end due to his superb length and athleticism. He’s agile for his size, quickly adjusting to make plays. The Michigan State product averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. He has good hands with a nice shooting touch. On April 9, Jackson Jr. finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Forward Dillon Brooks is a smart, scrappy wing for Memphis. Brooks has a well-rounded offensive game and gives it all on the defense. The Oregon product has a good range on his jumper but can also disrupt passing lanes. In the season finale, Brooks produced 23 points, five assists and knocked down three 3-pointers. 

Why the Timberwolves can cover

Center Karl-Anthony Towns is a dominant two-way big. He has the length and quickness to be a top-tier rebounder and shot-blocker. The 2015 first overall pick is one of the best shooting big men in the league. Towns averaged 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and shot 41 percent from downtown. The three-time All-Star finished with 40 double-doubles. In the regular-season finale, Towns registered 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Guard D’Angelo Russell is a slick and instinctive distributor in the backcourt for Minnesota. Russell has nice handles with a sweet shooting stroke. He pushes the ball and is difficult to guard in transition. The Ohio State product averaged 18.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. Russell has logged 20-plus points in three of his last four games. In the play-in win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Russell finished with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists. 

How to make Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning under on the total, projecting 235 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.