With the NBA Playoffs rolling along, two series are entering into the game five stage. In the first matchup on Tuesday, the Timberwolves travel to Memphis in a clash against the Grizzlies to see who can get the edge in a 2-2 set. Later that day, the Suns host the Pelicans at home in another deadlocked 2-2 series showdown. Both of these games will be pivotal matchups in deciding who will get the edge in each series and advance to the next round.
As always, SBS has you covered with our NBA breakdown below. Check out what to expect from each team and also who will win in each game five contest.
What to look for from: The Minnesota Timberwolves
Coming off a narrow win at home, 119-118, Minnesota is angling for its second straight victory over Memphis. After losing their last two games to the Grizzlies by a combined score of 37 (nine points in game three and 28 in game two), the Timberwolves were able to eke out the win on their home court on Saturday. Minnesota center Karl Anthony-Towns played with a ton of “rage” in the Timberwolves game four victory and led his team with 33 points and 14 rebounds. A back-and-forth battle, Minnesota also got a solid night from small forward Anthony Edwards who had 24 points and was a perfect six-for-six from the free throw line.
What to look for from: The Memphis Grizzlies
Smarting from their last second loss, the Grizzlies are hoping to get things back on track at home. Earlier this series, in games one and two at home, Memphis went 1-1 but rolled in a resounding game two victory, 124-96. In that contest, the Grizzlies routed the Timberwolves by forcing 20 turnovers and getting a stellar game from superstar point guard Ja Morant (23 points). They will be looking to replicate this blueprint in game five as the action returns to the FedEx Forum. Keep in mind too, Memphis went 30-11 at home during the regular season and were the No. 2 team in the Western Conference this season for a reason.
Prediction: In what should be another slugfest, keep your eyes on the Grizzlies pulling away here due to their strong home court advantage.
What to look for from: The New Orleans Pelicans
In a surprise turn of events, the upstart Pelicans have been able to hold off the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns and are coming off a 15-point win at home. Thanks to small forward Brandon Ingram’s 30 points, New Orleans outclassed the Suns and was also bolstered by a solid rebounding advantage (+11). Though neither team shot particularly well from three-point land, it did not matter as the Pelicans were able to pull away in the second half by outscoring Phoenix, 69-52. Also in game four, center Jonas Valanciunas had a great night by leading all players with 15 rebounds.
What to look for from: The Phoenix Suns
Without the services of All-NBA shooting guard, Devin Booker, the Suns have had their hands full with the plucky Pelicans. However, with the series returning back to their home court, the Suns should be able to get their mojo back. During this set with the Pelicans, Phoenix has been able to hold off New Orleans for periods of time (like their game three victory on the road), but Booker’s absence has been resounding given each team’s track record during the regular season. Nonetheless, the No. 1 seed Suns did have the NBA’s best record at home this season at 32-9.
Prediction: With this series returning to Phoenix for game five, the Suns should be able to rebound from dropping game four and get the victory at home thanks to their robust depth.
One of the most exciting playoff tournaments, the NBA postseason is an amazing showcase of some of the best athletes in the world. With that in mind, make sure to check out SBS’ NBA betting guide to stay on top of all the action. SBS also has you covered when it comes to finding the best wagering plan for you, like our breakdown on VIP betting. Finally, if you are uncertain on which kind of payment methods are available to you, we have your back with our robust payment options page.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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