- Get expert betting predictions and analysis for Timberwolves vs. Lakers.
- Minnesota is -135 to win this Round 1 matchup.
- The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites for Tuesdayโs Game 2.
The Minnesota Timberwolves stole Game 1 with a dominant performance, putting pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of Tuesdayโs Game 2 at 10 p.m. ET in Crypto.com Arena on TNT.
Minnesota made 21 3-pointers in Saturdayโs 117-95 victory over Los Angeles. Jaden McDaniels (25 points) was one of three players to score more than 20 points for the Wolves. Luka Donฤiฤ scored 37 points in a losing effort.
Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for the Timberwolves vs. Lakers and my prediction ahead of Tuesdayโs Game 2:
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Odds: Game 2
- Timberwolves spread: +5.5
- Lakers spread: -5.5
- Total: 210.5
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Round 1 Odds
According to the latest NBA betting lines, the Timberwolves are -135 favorites for an implied probability of 57.45% to win Round 1. Minnesota was a +165 underdog before stealing Game 1, while Los Angeles was a -200 favorite.
Timberwolves series price: -135
Lakers series price: +110
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Prediction: Game 2 Best Bet
Based on the updated NBA betting market, Iโm taking the Timberwolvesโ spread (+5.5) as my favorite Timberwolves vs. Lakers prediction for Game 2.
The market will want to support Los Angeles in a bounce-back spot, so Iโm waiting for a +6 before pushing the button. However, the -105 value on +5.5 is playable.
I also expect the Lakers to perform significantly better in Game 2, but I still believe this will be a close match. The spread closed at 4.5 in Game 1, so getting an additional point (or more) seems too valuable to pass up.
The Timberwolves wonโt shoot as well as they did on Saturday, but they got plenty of great looks against the Lakersโ defense. According to the NBAโs tracking data, 27 of their 42 3-point attempts were classified as wide open.
Even if you want to quibble with the NBAโs tracking measure, the Lakersโ defensive game plan on Saturday was atrocious. They overhelped inside, allowing a team that ranked fourth in 3-point shooting during the regular season to get too many good looks from long range.
If things donโt improve on Tuesday, Los Angeles could face a 2-0 deficit heading into Minnesota. That happened to the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns when they played the Wolves in the playoffs last year.
Game 2 prediction: Timberwolves +5.5 (-105)
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Saturday, April 19 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Game 2 | Tuesday, April 22 | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 3 | Friday, April 25 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 27 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Game 5 | Wednesday, April 30 | TBA | TBA |
| Game 6 | Friday, May 2 | TBA | TBA |
| Game 7 | Sunday, May 4 | TBA | TBA |
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Series History
| Date | Home | Result | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 19 | LAL | MIN 117, LAL 95 | MIN +4.5 | Under 215 |
| Feb. 27 | LAL | LAL 111, MIN 102 | LAL -6 | Under 229.5 |
| Dec. 13 | MIN | MIN 97, LAL 87 | MIN -8.5 | Under 213.5 |
| Dec. 2 | MIN | MIN 109, LAL 80 | MIN -7.5 | Under 219 |
| Oct. 22 | LAL | LAL 110, MIN 103 | LAL -1 | Under 223.5. |
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 teamโs 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.
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