Minnesota Timberwolves (12-11) vs LA Lakers (13-11)
December 13, 2024 at 08:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves -8.5 / LA Lakers +8.5 — Over/Under: 217.5
The LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves meet Friday in NBA action at the Target Center. Here’s an LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include an LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Pick.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers lost to the Hawks, beat the Trail Blazers, and they play the Grizzlies, Kings, and Pistons next. The LA Lakers are averaging 111.5 points on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 115.8 points on 48.7 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 26.9 points and 11.3 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 22.3 points and 7.9 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer and D’Angelo Russell is grabbing 2.5 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 34.5 percent from beyond the arc and 78 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 7.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.3 rebounds per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Clippers, split with the Warriors, and they play the Spurs, Knicks, and Hawks next. The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 111 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 107.5 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 26.2 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 21 points and 4 assists. Naz Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Rudy Gobert is grabbing 11.1 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 34 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.1 rebounds per game.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last 12 games as favorites against the Lakers.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last nine games as underdogs.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the last four games between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Lakers’ last nine games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last four night games against the Lakers following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Mike Conley ranks 12th amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.2) this season.
- Julius Randle ranks 18th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for points per game (20.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 29th in the league for turnover percentage this season (14.7%).
- The Timberwolves rank 29th for fast break points per game (12.8) this season.
- The Lakers rank 29th in the league for Q4 opponent points per game this season (29.8).
- The Lakers rank 29th in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (29.2%).
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t been great through 23 games, and they’re 9-14 ATS on the season, but they’re showing signs of getting their act together with wins in 4 of their last 5 games. The LA Lakers are going through a funk with a 3-7 SU and ATS record in their last 10 games, and now they won’t have LeBron. AD is also dealing with a foot issue. The Lakers can’t be expected to get out of this slump if they’re not going to have their best players. Give me the Timberwolves by double digits.