Los Angeles Lakers (35-21) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (32-27)
Game Info: Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10:30 pm (crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -5.5 -- Over/Under: 224.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA TV
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers, currently holding a 35-21 record, are on a three-game winning streak, recently securing a 107-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. In that matchup, LeBron James led the team with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Luka Dončić contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Lakers' defense has been solid, allowing 111.6 points per game and holding opponents to 46.2% shooting from the field.
The Timberwolves, with a 32-27 record, are coming off a 131-128 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that game, Minnesota shot 45.4% from the field and converted 34 of 39 free-throw attempts. Anthony Edwards has been a standout performer this season, averaging 27.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
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Austin Reaves Over 18.5 Points
Austin Reaves has been a key contributor to the Los Angeles Lakers' offense during the 2024-25 NBA season. Over 51 games, he has averaged 19.2 points per game, ranking 41st in the league. This marks an improvement from his 2023-24 season, where he averaged 15.9 points per game. Reaves has demonstrated efficiency in his scoring, with a field goal percentage of 44.6% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36.0%. Notably, he has excelled at the free-throw line, maintaining an 86.5% free-throw percentage.
While everyone talks about Luka and LeBron, Austin Reaves has been one of the most consistent scores on this Lakers team. He's scored 20 or more points in eight of his last 10 games, highlighted by a 45-point game against the Indiana Pacers. Until oddsmakers adjust his line, I'm going to continue to attack the over on Reaves' points.
Jaxson Hayes Under 5.5 Rebounds
Jaxson Hayes has played 35 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 4.3 rebounds per game. Hayes's rebounding breakdown includes approximately 1.3 offensive rebounds and 2.9 defensive rebounds per game.
Hayes's rebounding numbers have been inconsistent since joining the Lakers starting lineup. He has to compete on the boards with guys like LeBron and Luka, who are some of the better rebounders in this league. This is also a tough matchup for him going against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are just giving up 51.3 rebounds per game to opposing teams, which is the 8th fewest in the league.
Lebron James Over 24.5 Points
LeBron James continues to demonstrate exceptional performance in his 22nd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Over 52 games, he averaged 24.7 points per game, ranking 15th in the league. James maintains a field goal percentage of 52.0%, with a three-point shooting accuracy of 39.6%. His true shooting percentage stands at 61.0%, reflecting his overall scoring efficiency.
Notably, on February 21, 2025, James scored 40 points, along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, leading the Lakers to a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. This achievement made him the first player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games at the age of 40. LeBron has been a machine as of late, scoring 24 or more points in eight of his last nine games. At this point, there are no signs of LeBron slowing down, and I'll continue to cash in on his overs in the meantime.
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AUTHOR: Brad Francis
