Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers needed to bounce back after a disappointing effort in the series opener, and they did just that with a gritty 94-85 win over the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Tuesday. Luka Doncic led the team with 31 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, LeBron James added 21 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists while Austin Reaves chipped in with 16 points and five assists.
As a team, the Lakers shot 45 percent from the field and six of 29 from the 3-point line as they jumped all over the Timberwolves in a 34-15 first quarter to lead by as many as 22 points. They held off a late rally from the Timberwolves, who cut the lead to just single digits in the final minutes.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have mixed emotions heading back home as they were able to steal home-court advantage, but were only able to score 85 points in a disappointing effort in Game 2. Julius Randle led the team with 27 points and six assists on nine of 17 shooting, Anthony Edwards added 25 points, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring.
As a team, the Timberwolves shot just 38 percent from the field and a miserly five of 25 from the 3-point line as they got off to a nightmare start and fell into a 22-point deficit. But they never gave up and held the Lakers to just 13 points in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to single digits in the end. Naz Reid has been solid for the Timberwolves all season but finished with just nine points on three of eight shooting. Jaden McDaniels scored just eight points on three of 11 shooting, while Mike Conley finished scoreless on zero of five shooting.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last 13 games as favorites against the Lakers.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last seven playoff road games.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight Western Conference First Round games.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five road games following a win.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won Game 3 in each of their last 10 playoff series’ when tied 1-1.
- The Timberwolves have lost five of their last six playoff games as home favorites.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in five of their last six road games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six playoff home games.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FG% (66.9%) this season.
- Anthony Edwards ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (4.1) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- LeBron James ranks 1st amongst qualified Forwards for assists per game (8.2) this season.
- Luka Doncic is one of only four players to have recorded a 40+ point triple-double this season.
Timberwolves vs Lakers Prediction
The Lakers were good enough to make up for their embarrassing loss in the series opener with a hard-fought win on Tuesday, thanks to a big game from Doncic and excellent defense to limit the Timberwolves to just 85 points. The Timberwolves’ role players were really disappointing in Game 2, but I expect them to improve now that they are back in the comfort of their own building with their home crowd.
The Lakers are always dangerous with players like Doncic and James in the lineup, but they could easily be down 2-0 in the series if they didn’t get off to such a quick start in Game 2. The Timberwolves were good enough to steal home-court advantage, and I think they consolidate here with a narrow win and cover at home to take the lead in this series.