Timberwolves vs. Lakers Prediction: Best Bets & Odds for Game 1

The last two Western Conference runner-ups will face off in arguably the most interesting first-round series of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) and No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers (50-32) will clash in styles.

Minnesota, which made a surprise run to last year’s conference finals, will utilize multiple bigs and aim to shut things down with length on the defensive end. The Lakers feature a small-ball lineup built on elite offense, led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

The team that dictates the identity of this matchup may find itself in the conference finals again this summer. The series’ first game will be at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday on ABC.

Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for the Timberwolves vs. Lakers and my prediction ahead of Saturday’s Game 1:

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Odds: Game 1

• Timberwolves spread: +4.5
• Lakers spread: -4.5
• Total: 216.5

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Round 1 Odds

According to the latest NBA betting lines, the Lakers are -200 favorites for an implied probability of 66.67% to win Round 1. Los Angeles opened -160 to win the series, but the line has moved with 98% of the money being on the higher seed.

Timberwolves series price: +165
Lakers series price: -200

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Prediction: Game 1 & Series Best Bet

Based on the updated NBA betting market, my favorite predictions for the Timberwolves vs. Lakers matchup involve backing the over (215.5) in Game 1 and betting on over 5.5 games (-160) as my series best bet.

The Lakers have many offensive advantages in this series. They have two of the best playoff performers in the sport, James and Dončić, who are excellent at finding the right matchups to exploit. Austin Reaves is a highly-gifted creator as a No. 3 option.

That could lead to a lot of matchup hunting of Mike Conley. Minnesota’s big men will also be forced to guard the Lakers’ big three on the perimeter.

At the same time, the Wolves should dominate the possession battle due to their rebounding advantage. They ranked fourth in 3-point frequency this year, indicating they can match the Lakers’ firepower if their shots are successful.

Los Angeles will struggle to contain Anthony Edwards, who averaged 27.6 points per game this year.

As a result, this is a competitive series where both teams will have opportunities to take advantage of their strengths in this matchup, particularly on the offensive end. That leads me to back the over in Game 1, while also expecting this series to last at least six games.

Game 1 prediction: Over 215.5 (-110)
Series prediction: Over 5.5 games (-160)

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Series History

Timberwolves Betting Insights & Trends

Lakers Betting Insights & Trends

When Was the Last Time the Timberwolves Won a Playoff Series?

The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals in 2024, defeating the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets before losing to the Dallas Mavericks. It marked the team’s first postseason series win since 2004.

When Was the Last Time the Lakers Won a Playoff Series?

The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference finals as the No. 7 seed in 2023, pushing past the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors. The Lakers were eliminated in the first round last year.