The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-32) and Los Angeles Lakers (30-33) meet Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Timberwolves covered the spread as 6.5-point underdogs Tuesday in a 108-101 win at the Los Angeles Clippers. F Jaden McDaniels scored a team-high 20 points as Minnesota snapped its 3-game losing skid. The Timberwolves are 0-5 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games after a win.
The Lakers covered as 3.5-point underdogs Wednesday in a 123-117 win at the Oklahoma City Thunder. G Dennis Schröder finished with a game-high 26 points for the Lakers, who were without F LeBron James (foot), C Anthony Davis (foot) and G D’Angelo Russell (ankle). Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
This is the 2nd meeting this season between these teams. Minnesota covered as an 8-point home favorite with a 111-102 win as the Under (232) cashed in the 1st meeting Oct. 28. The Timberwolves have won 4 of the last 5 meetings vs. the Lakers.
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Timberwolves at Lakers odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:39 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Lakers -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves -1.5 (-105) | Lakers +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Timberwolves at Lakers key injuries
Timberwolves
- G Jaylen Nowell (knee) questionable
- F Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) out
Lakers
- C Anthony Davis (foot) probable
- F LeBron James (foot) out
- G D’Angelo Russell (ankle) out
- G Dennis Schröder (ankle) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Timberwolves at Lakers picks and predictions
Prediction
Lakers 115, Timberwolves 106
Moneyline
BET LAKERS (-105).
Los Angeles showed the depth it added at the trade deadline with double-digit scoring performances from G Malik Beasley (11 points) and C Mo Bamba (12) vs. Oklahoma City last time out. While James being out for at least 3 weeks will hurt the Lakers’ postseason chances, Los Angeles will still be motivated to prove it has enough pieces to make a playoff push.
Add revenge as motivation and a well-rested Davis in the lineup, and the Lakers should have no problem beating a Timberwolves team that went the entire month of February without winning back-to-back games.
Against the spread
PASS.
The Lakers +1.5 (-115) should hit, but there is no need to take the points when Los Angeles should win straight up. Bet the moneyline and/or total instead.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 227.5 (-108).
The Under is 4-0 in Minnesota’s last 4 games and 4-1 in Los Angeles’ last 5 at home. The Under has hit in 5 straight meetings between these teams and should cash again Friday with James and Russell not in the lineup.
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