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Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves April 22nd 2025
At 10:00 ET, the Lakers (-243) will host the Timberwolves (+202) in a Western Conference matchup. The over/under line is 210.5 points.
Minnesota is currently 6th in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Northwest Division. They have won four straight games. The Lakers are 3rd in the West and 1st in the Pacific Division. They have lost two straight.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
- Where: Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena
- Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
- Betting Odds LAL -5.5, MIN +202 | LAL -243 O/U 210.5
The Timberwolves Can Win If…
The Timberwolves improved to 49-33 after a 117-95 road win over the Lakers on Saturday. Minnesota entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs and not only won but covered the spread with a +22 point margin. The game’s total points of 212 fell just short of the 215.5 O/U line.
After trailing 28-21 in the 1st quarter, the Timberwolves turned the game around with a 14-0 run, taking the score from 59-48 to 62-59. They dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Lakers 38-20, and continued to control the game by winning the 3rd quarter 35-30 and the 4th quarter 23-17.
In their 117-95 win over the Lakers, the Timberwolves shot 51.2% from the field, hitting 21 threes at a 50% clip. Jaden McDaniels led the way with 25 points, shooting 84.6% and hitting all 3 of his threes.
Naz Reid added 23 points, making 6 threes at 66.7%, while Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds, hitting 4 threes. Reid scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter, and Edwards added 9 in the 3rd.
The Timberwolves put on a defensive clinic against the Lakers, holding them to just 95 points on 39% shooting. Minnesota was especially strong in the 2nd and 4th quarters, where they allowed only 20 and 17 points, respectively.
From beyond the arc, the Lakers hit 15 threes at a 36% clip. The Timberwolves also sent the Lakers to the line 16 times, where they made 14 free throws. Minnesota finished with 8 steals and 4 blocks.
- Although Minnesota has a straight up record of 8-2 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 6-4. The team averaged 116 points per game in these games.
- In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 6-4 and an ATS mark of 7-3.
- Over their last three games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Lakers Can Win If…
The Lakers fell to 50-32 on the season after a 117-95 home loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday. Los Angeles, favored by 4.5 points, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 212 points narrowly missed the O/U line of 215.5.
After leading 28-21 in the 1st quarter, the Lakers were outscored 38-20 in the 2nd. A 14-0 run by Minnesota turned the game, and the Lakers couldn’t recover, trailing 94-78 going into the 4th, where they were outscored 23-17.
In their 117-95 loss to the Timberwolves, the Lakers shot just 39.8% from the field. Luka Dončić led the way with 37 points, hitting 5 threes at a 50% clip, and adding 8 rebounds. He also contributed 16 points in the 1st quarter and another 11 in the 3rd.
LeBron James added 19 points, with 10 coming in the 2nd quarter. Austin Reaves finished with 16 points, scoring 14 in the 3rd. The Lakers made 15 threes, shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc.
The Lakers had a strong defensive start and finish, holding the Timberwolves to 21 points in the 1st quarter and 23 in the 4th. However, they struggled in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, giving up 38 and 35 points, respectively, leading to a 117-95 loss.
Defensively, the Lakers allowed the Timberwolves to shoot 51% from the field, including 50% from beyond the arc, where Minnesota hit 21 threes. The Lakers sent the Timberwolves to the line 10 times, where they made 8 free throws. Los Angeles recorded 5 steals and 4 blocks in the game.
- Across their three previous home games, Los Angeles has an ATS mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-2 while averaging 104 points per game.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Lakers have gone 4-6 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 5-5.
- In their last five games, the Lakers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Lean
We’re putting our money on the Lakers to win, and have the projected score sitting at 134-127. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Lakers at -5.5.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 210.5 and our model has the Timberwolves and Lakers finishing with a combined 261 points. Our pick is to take the over.
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Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 2 Preview: LA Looks to Match Wolves’ Physicality
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a statement in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series, bullying the Los Angeles Lakers en route to a convincing 117-95 victory. Now, with Game 2 set for Tuesday night in LA, the Lakers are vowing to be ready for the challenge.
Minnesota’s recent playoff history with the Lakers is limited, but not without drama — most notably their 2004 Western Conference Finals loss. This time, the Timberwolves are looking to reverse history and head back to the Twin Cities with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Game 1 Recap: Timberwolves Outmuscle the Lakers
Minnesota dominated nearly every facet in Game 1, shooting 52.4% from the field and holding the Lakers to under 40% overall.
Jaden McDaniels led the Wolves with a breakout 25-point performance on 11-of-13 shooting, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Luka Doncic, recently acquired by the Lakers, scored 37 points, including 16 in the first quarter alone. But he got little help, as LeBron James was held to 19 points and Austin Reaves struggled late.
The Wolves used a punishing interior presence and relentless energy to erase an early 8-point deficit and dominate the middle quarters.
Timberwolves Strategy: Keep the Pressure On
The Wolves’ biggest advantage in Game 1 was their physicality and rebounding presence. They dictated pace and set a tone defensively that left the Lakers looking flat-footed.
Minnesota finished the regular season on a 17-4 run, building chemistry and finally tapping into the team’s full potential.
“It just took a minute to figure each other out but now it feels like we’re rolling,” Edwards said.
Lakers Adjustments for Game 2
Los Angeles is no stranger to playoff adversity. But the team knows it can’t afford to get bullied again in Game 2 — especially at home.
The focus:
- Win the rebounding battle
- Increase defensive pressure early
- Get Austin Reaves going sooner
- Control second-chance points
LeBron James admitted the team didn’t match Minnesota’s energy but seemed confident in a turnaround.
Los Angeles will also need to shoot the ball more efficiently. Their 3-point shooting woes (11-of-32) hurt in Game 1, and adjustments in spacing and ball movement will be critical.
Track team stats and playoff trends on the NBA Team Page
Matchup Breakdown: Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 2
Key Stats from Game 1:
- FG %: MIN 52.4%, LAL 39.8%
- Rebounds: MIN 49, LAL 38
- Assists: MIN 30, LAL 21
- Turnovers: Even at 12 each
X-Factors to Watch
Lakers:
- Can Reaves recover from a poor Game 1 shooting night?
- Will James take over earlier in the game?
- Can LA control tempo and limit Wolves’ second chances?
Timberwolves:
- Will McDaniels continue his hot shooting?
- Can Minnesota replicate their physical presence?
- How does Edwards balance scoring and facilitating?
Explore more playoff picks and betting insights at the NBA Expert Guide
FAQs
When is Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 2?
Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Who led the Wolves in scoring in Game 1?
Jaden McDaniels with 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting.
How did Luka Doncic perform in Game 1?
Doncic scored 37 points, including 16 in the first quarter.
Did LeBron James look 100% in Game 1?
He scored 19 points but didn’t dominate; LA needs more in Game 2.
How did the Timberwolves shoot in Game 1?
They shot over 52% from the field and looked sharp from deep.
Final Take: Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 2 Preview
Minnesota set the tone with toughness, balance, and effort in Game 1 — and the Lakers felt it. Now the pressure is on LA to respond with poise, physicality, and purpose.
Expect a sharper, more urgent Lakers team Tuesday night, but don’t expect the Timberwolves to back down. Game 2 could shape the identity of the series moving forward.
Check all updated lines and series odds at the NBA Odds & Scores Page
