Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Predictions December 2nd 2024

Tired Lakers may be shorthanded vs. rested Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers December 2nd 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Timberwolves (-285) will host the Lakers (+233) in a Western Conference matchup. The over/under line is set at 221.5.

Minnesota is favored by 7.5 points and is 9-10 on the season. The Lakers are 12-8 and are currently 6th in the Western Conference.

Lakers vs. Timberwolves Key Information

The Lakers improved to 12-8 on the season with a narrow 105-104 win over the Jazz on Sunday. Playing on the road, L.A. was favored by 5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 209 fell well short of the 225.5 O/U line.

After trailing 27-26 after the 1st quarter, the Lakers took control by winning the 2nd and 3rd quarters, leading 86-81 heading into the 4th. However, the Jazz outscored them 23-19 in the final period, making it a close finish.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a 105-104 win over the Jazz, scoring 33 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, shooting 52% from the field. LeBron James contributed 27 points and 14 assists, adding 10 points in the 4th quarter.

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The Lakers struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 7 threes at 21.2%, with an overall field goal percentage of 44.3%. Rui Hachimura added 13 points, including 6 in the final period, while Max Christie chipped in 12 points.

Despite allowing the Jazz to shoot 50% from the field, the Lakers’ defense held strong in the 4th quarter, giving up just 23 points to secure the win. Overall, they allowed 27 points in the 1st quarter and 29 in the 2nd, but tightened up in the 3rd, giving up 25 points.

From beyond the arc, the Lakers limited the Jazz to 14 made threes on 35% shooting. They also sent Utah to the free-throw line 16 times, where the Jazz made 10. Los Angeles collected 32 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 4 blocks.

With a 93-92 win over the Clippers on Friday, the Timberwolves improved to 9-10 for the season. Minnesota, who were favored by 6.5 points, didn’t cover the spread, and the game’s total of 185 points fell well short of the 212.5-point line.

After leading 72-68 going into the 4th quarter, the Timberwolves saw the Clippers go on a 10-0 run, extending the score to 97-82. Minnesota managed to rally back and secure the win at home.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 21 points in their 93-92 win over the Clippers, hitting 4 threes at a 44.4% rate. Minnesota made 15 threes as a team, shooting 38.5% from deep and 41.3% overall from the field.

Mike Conley added 13 points and 3 made threes, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Edwards scored 8 points in the 3rd quarter, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 7 of his 12 points in the 2nd quarter.

The Timberwolves put on a defensive clinic on Friday, holding the Clippers to just 92 points in a 93-92 victory. Minnesota was consistent throughout, giving up 25 points in the 1st quarter, 22 in the 2nd, 21 in the 3rd, and 24 in the 4th. They limited the Clippers to 42% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Timberwolves allowed just 10 three-pointers on 32% shooting. The Clippers also went 10/13 from the free-throw line. Minnesota grabbed 38 defensive rebounds while giving up 8 offensive boards. They also added 8 steals and 5 blocks.

We’re calling a win for the Timberwolves, with a final score of 133-87, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Timberwolves at -7.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 221.5 and our model has the Lakers and Timberwolves finishing with a combined 220 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Lakers Look for Back-to-Back Wins Against Timberwolves in Minneapolis

The Los Angeles Lakers will aim for their second straight victory in as many nights when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday in Minneapolis.

Lakers Ride LeBron and Davis to Narrow Win Over Jazz

Los Angeles (8-6) is coming off a thrilling 105-104 win against the Utah Jazz on Sunday in Salt Lake City. With little time to rest after the game, the Lakers embarked on a 1,200-mile trip to Minneapolis for their second contest in less than 24 hours.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis were the driving forces in Sunday’s win, combining for 53 of the Lakers’ 88 shot attempts. James finished with 27 points on 12-for-28 shooting, while Davis was even more impressive, posting 33 points on 13-for-25 shooting.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of James and Davis carrying the load offensively. “That was going to be our best offense tonight,” Redick said, making it clear that both superstars were going to be heavily involved in the game plan.

However, the Lakers were missing several key players, including Austin Reaves (left pelvic bruise), Cam Reddish (illness), D’Angelo Russell (illness), and Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain). It remains uncertain whether any of these players will return for Monday’s game.

Timberwolves Find Defensive Groove in Win Over Clippers

Minnesota (7-9) is hoping to build on their recent success after snapping a four-game losing streak with a 93-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The Timberwolves are now looking to achieve back-to-back wins for the first time since mid-November, and they’ll have the chance to do so at home against a Lakers team coming off a quick turnaround.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who leads the team in scoring with 27.7 points per game, praised his team’s defensive effort in the win over the Clippers. “Those are winning plays,” Edwards said, stressing the importance of consistently playing hard and guarding tough on defense. “We talked as a team how we want to win and change it around and get back to who we are defensively. Those are things we’ve got to do over and over again.”

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Edwards’ leadership has been crucial for the Timberwolves, and he’ll need another big performance to help his team defend home court against the Lakers. Along with Edwards, forward Julius Randle (21.2 ppg) and center Rudy Gobert (10.4 ppg, 11.2 rpg) provide solid contributions. Gobert recorded a double-double in the first meeting between the two teams, and he’ll need to dominate the boards once again to help Minnesota’s chances.

Key Matchups

• LeBron James & Anthony Davis vs. Timberwolves Defense: The Timberwolves will need to continue their strong defensive play to slow down LeBron and Davis. Minnesota had success against the Lakers in the first meeting, but James and Davis combined for 52 points in that game. How will the Timberwolves adjust?
• Anthony Edwards vs. Lakers Defense: Edwards is the clear offensive leader for Minnesota, and he’s been carrying a heavy load. Can the Lakers’ defense, especially without some key players, limit Edwards’ impact?
• Rebounding Battle: With Rudy Gobert’s dominance in the paint, the Timberwolves have a clear edge on the boards. If the Lakers are going to win, they’ll need Davis to step up and be an elite rebounder, similar to his performance in the season opener.

Previous Matchup Recap

In the first meeting of the season on October 22, the Lakers came away with a 110-103 win in Los Angeles. Davis had a monster game, scoring 36 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, while James added 16 points. Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a strong performance from Davis. Gobert also posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Monday’s game promises to be another exciting contest, as both teams look to build momentum. The Lakers are hoping to keep their winning streak going, while the Timberwolves are aiming for back-to-back victories after ending their losing streak.