The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) and Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) meet in a playoff rematch from last season Friday. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, is set for 10 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Timberwolves vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Tied 2-2
Minnesota escaped with a 118-114 win over the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday while failing to cover as a 4.5-point favorite as the Over (222.5) hit. G Anthony Edwards dropped 41 points and added 7 boards while 4 of his teammates also finished in double-figures. The trio of Edwards, F Julius Randle, and F Jaden McDaniels combined for 11-of-19 (57.9%) from deep; the team had 15 made 3-point shots.
Los Angeles lost 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors Tuesday while failing to cover as a 2.5-point underdog with the Over (227.5) cashing. G Luka Doncic put up MVP numbers with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists and G Austin Reaves had 26 points and 9 assists. However, only 1 other Lakers player put up double-digit points against Golden State and the Lakers shot just 8-of-32 (25%) from 3-point range in the loss.
LA won each of its last 2 matchups last regular season against the Wolves in LA, while holding Minnesota to under 105 points in both matchups. In the playoffs, the Wolves won 2 of the 3 games played in LA.
Timberwolves at Lakers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:12 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Lakers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves -2.5 (-105) | Lakers +2.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Timberwolves at Lakers key injuries
Timberwolves
Lakers
F LeBron James (back) outF Maxi Kleber (abdominal) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Timberwolves at Lakers picks and predictionsPrediction
Lakers 104, Timberwolves 102
LEAN LAKERS (+115).
Neither of these teams have much offense right now outside of their star players, and in a battle that will likely come down to star players battling, there are few people the world I pick over Doncic. Furthermore, Minnesota’s lack of a point guard or consistent half-court offense will lessen the impact of LA’s defensive woes, making it easier for Luka to carry LA to this win.
This is a lean because the Wolves are the much better defensive team, so their ability to get timely stops late in the game could propel them to a win as the Lakers can never be trusted to get a stop consistently in the biggest moments with this roster.
PASS.
I like for LA to cover here as +2.5 (-115) underdogs, but I prefer the plus-money on the Lakers’ moneyline odds. I’m a fan of the higher risk for the higher reward here because if the Lakers are going to lose this game, it will likely be by more than 2 1/2 points as Doncic is too good of a clutch player to lose a game like this by a single possession. Therefore, pass here and back the ML and/or total instead.
BET UNDER 225.5 (-110).
Neither of these teams have consistent, or complete enough, offenses to feel comfortable in the Over hitting. Furthermore, Minnesota is always a team with one of the best defenses in the league, and early indications are that hasn’t changed, making the Under an even safer play for this game.
The Under is also 7-3 in the last 10 matchups between these squads. Be aware the Over hit in the season opener for both teams.
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