The 2-7 matchup in the Western Conference will pit a handful of the league’s brightest young stars against one another. Memphis’ Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane take center stage against the Minnesota core of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for both groups, which selected in the top-2 in the 2019 (Grizzlies, 2nd, Morant) and 2020 (Timberwolves, 1st, Edwards) NBA Drafts. The pace will be quick, offense will come in bunches and we’ll see plenty of action above the rim in this one.

Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Odds

Odds via DraftKings and accurate as of publication.

Timberwolves vs Grizzlies Betting Tips

The Grizzlies aren’t just a feel-good story: As the Grizzlies moved to 19-11, then 30-14, and then 41-18, it became clear that they weren’t just stringing together impressive stretches: They were legitimate contenders. So don’t worry about their ages, or the fact that the roster has minimal playoff experience. They’re one of two teams (the favorite Suns being the other) with a top-6 offensive and defensive efficiency, they were a league-best 52-29-1 ATS (including 31-18 as a favorite) and they have a legitimate superstar in Morant. They’re just seventh best in title odds on betting apps—don’t let that fool you.

Ready for points? Oddsmakers at betting sites will certainly take this into account, but both these teams can score in serious bunches. And they do it fast. The Timberwolves averaged the fastest pace in the NBA this season (101.5) and the Grizzlies were fourth (100.5). But they’re also efficient. Even on a per-100 possession basis, Memphis was fourth in offense and Minnesota was seventh. The defenses aren’t bad—especially the Grizzlies’—but we could see some real track meets between these two squads. There are young legs and energetic mindsets on the big stage for the first time. The scoreboard could be lit up in this series.

Meet Anthony Edwards: First overall picks really don’t fly under the radar, but the Timberwolves haven’t had many nationally televised games the past two seasons. It’s likely you haven’t seen much of Edwards outside of a few ridiculous poster dunks. But the kid’s for real. In an 11-game stretch to close out the regular season, he averaged 24.4 points on 49/43/84 shooting. He then carried the Timberwolves to victory in the Play-In Tournament after Towns fouled out. He has steep competition going up against the Grizzlies’ defense, but he had 23, 27 and 30 points against them in the regular season. This could very well be Edwards’ true coming-out party.

Timberwolves vs Grizzles Series Prediction

The Grizzlies are the play here for NBA betting fans. They have been consistent even with Morant missing 25 games, so they’re not as susceptible when their star point guard sits. The defense is legitimate and the offense can score as fast as any team in the league. Minnesota is a legitimate contender (it won 46 games) but the Grizzlies’ balanced attack will prove too much. We like the Grizzlies in six games, with Minnesota’s combo of Towns and Edwards winning the Timberwolves two games.

Our Pick: Take the Grizzlies in 6 at +360

Timberwolves vs Grizzlies schedule

Game 1: April 16, Minnesota at Memphis, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Game 2: April 19, Minnesota at Memphis, TBD, TBD

Game 3: April 21, Memphis at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Game 4: April 23, Memphis at Minnesota, TBD, ESPN

Game 5-7: TBD if necessary