Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction 1/11/25 NBA Picks
Minnesota Timberwolves (20-17) vs Memphis Grizzlies (24-14)
Game Info: Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Target Center)
Betting Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5 -- Over/Under: 228.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have been in a rut as they've lost four of their last six games overall and they will be hoping for a better result after coming up just short to the Rockets in a 119-115 loss on Thursday. Ja Morant led the team with 27 points, Jaren Jackson Jr added 21 points with eight rebounds and four assists while Desmond Bane chipped in with 16 points on six of 10 shooting. As a team, the Grizzlies shot 50 percent from the field and 10 of 32 from the 3-point line. The Grizzlies allowed the Rockets to get off to a flyer and just themselves too much ground to make up after falling behind by 17 points in the third quarter.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in decent shape as they've won six of their last nine games overall. The Timberwolves will be gunning for a fourth straight victory after blowing past the depleted Magic in a 104-89 road win on Thursday. Julius Randle led the team with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, Anthony Edwards added 21 points with seven assists while Rudy Gobert chipped in with 10 points and 12 rebounds. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field and 12 of 34 from the 3-point line. Those aren't great numbers, but this win was about their effort on defense, as they were always in control after holding the Magic to just 39 points in the first half.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Grizzlies have lost each of their last nine road games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last eight games as favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the spread in four of the last five games between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Grizzlies have won each of their last three games as underdogs after losing as favorites.
- The Timberwolves have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games as home favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Grizzlies have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 games following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves' last 12 Saturday night games at Target Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Grizzlies' last six Saturday games at Target Center has gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Julius Randle ranks 9th in the league for second-chance points (113) this season.
- Jaden McDaniels rank T22nd in the league for total steals + blocks (77) this season.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts
- Ja Morant ranks 23rd in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (83.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (34.1%).
- The Timberwolves rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (12.5).
- The Grizzlies rank 1st in the league for Q2 points per game this season (31.2).
- The Grizzlies rank 1st in the league for H1 points per game this season (63.1).
Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Grizzlies are still missing some players, with Marcus Smart and Cam Spencer still out, while the Timberwolves are still without Rob Dillingham. The Grizzlies are starting to get some players back after being depleted for so many games. The Grizzlies could do with a win after dropping four of their last six games, while the Timberwolves are starting to heat up again as they've won their last three games. It sure is tempting to take the healthy Timberwolves at the very short line at home, but they've been far from convincing, so I am more keen on the Grizzlies to earn a much-needed win in a minor upset.