Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) vs Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)
Game Info: Friday, April 25, 2025 at 9:30 pm (Target Center)
The Line: Betting Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves -3 — Over/Under: 205.5
The LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves meet Friday in the NBA playoffs Game 3 at the Target Center. Here’s a LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Pick.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers look for two straight wins to take a 2-1 series lead. Four of the Lakers last six losses have come on the road.
The LA Lakers are averaging 94.5 points on 42.4 percent shooting and allowing 101 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is averaging 34 points and 10 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer, and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 30 percent from beyond the arc and 94.4 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 38.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.5 rebounds per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves look to protect home court and take a 2-1 series lead. The Timberwolves have won 18 of their last 23 games since March 2.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 101 points on 44.8 percent shooting and allowing 94.5 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 23.5 points and 7 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 21.5 points and 5.5 assists. Jaden McDaniels is the third double-digit scorer, and Naz Reid is grabbing 3.5 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 38.8 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 34.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39 rebounds per game.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last 12 games as home favorites against the Lakers.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last nine playoff games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the spread in seven of the last eight games between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games as underdogs following a win.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Timberwolves have lost five of their last six playoff games as favorites.
- The Lakers have won Game 3 in 11 of their last 12 playoff series’ when tied 1-1.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six playoff games at Target Center.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in five of the Lakers’ last six playoff games.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Mike Conley ranks 5th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.3) this season.
- Jaden McDaniels rank T8th in the league for total steals + blocks (184) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Austin Reaves ranks 19th amongst qualified players for FT% (87.7%) this season.
- Rui Hachimura ranks 23rd amongst qualified players for 3P% (41.3%) this season.
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
The Lakers will continue to be without Maxi Kleber due to foot injury.
The Timberwolves will be without Rob Dillingham due to an ankle injury.
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
I liked the Timberwolves to win the series before it started and I’m still kind of in that spot. However, I can’t leave this many points on the table with the LeBron and Luka on the other side. The Lakers figured some things out defensively in game 2 and they have two of the best players in the world who aren’t afraid of playing on the road. This line is showing the Timberwolves too much love and I’m not sure the Target Center moves the needle that much. The Lakers have covered six of their last seven postseason games as an underdog. I have to grab the points.