The LA Lakers (2-2) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2) Wednesday. Tip-off from Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Timberwolves odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Lakers lead 1-0 after 128-110 victory Oct. 24
What was billed to be a spotlight, prime-time game now looks like a preseason scrimmage. The Lakers are without F LeBron James (back) and now G Luka Doncic (finger), and the T-wolves are without G Anthony Edwards (hamstring).
The Lakers lost 122-108 Monday as 3-point dogs to the Portland Trail Blazers. G Austin Reaves led the way with 41 points. This came after dropping a career-high 51 points the night before against Sacramento. It was a bunch of “meh” beyond that.
The T-wolves fell 127-114 as 6.5-point dogs to the Denver Nuggets Monday. F Jaden McDaniels (25) and F Julius Randle (24) led the offense. Defensive-stalwart C Rudy Gobert was a minus-18 when he was on the court, though. The Wolves are going to have to tread water for a couple of weeks with Ant Man out with a hamstring strain.
Lakers at Timberwolves odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:27 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Lakers +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Timberwolves -285 (bet $285 to win $110)Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +7.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -7.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Lakers at Timberwolves key injuries
Lakers
G Luka Doncic (finger, leg) outC Jaxson Hayes (knee) questionableF LeBron James (back) outF Maxi Kleber (abdominal) outG Marcus Smart (quadriceps) questionableG Gabe Vincent (ankle) out
Timberwolves
G Jaylen Clark (calf) questionableG Anthony Edwards (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Lakers at Timberwolves picks and predictionsPrediction
Timberwolves 120, Lakers 115
There is no chance I’m touching a -285 with a 10-foot pole on the Ant-less T-wolves. I think they find a way to get it done, though.
Instead, as crazy as it may sound, give me AUSTIN REAVES OVER 29.5 POINTS (-125). He is the clear No. 1 right now with 92 points over his last 2 games.
I’ll take the LAKERS +7.5 (-110). Yes, the Lakers just lost by 14 to Portland, but they’ll right the ship and at least remain competitive against a Wolves team that is 17th in defensive rating and worse than that with Edwards out.
OVER 225.5 (-110).
This is going to be a back-and-forth slugfest. Expect to see a lot of shots chucked, hear a lot of clanging of the rim and a high-scoring affair.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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