Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 4/19/25 NBA Picks

The Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Lakers meet Saturday in the NBA playoffs Game 1 at the crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Pick.

Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview 

The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the playoffs with wins in 17 of their last 21 games. The Timberwolves are in the playoffs for a fourth straight season, and they’ve been bounced in the first round twice. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 115.7 points on 46.8 percent shooting and allowing 110.6 points on 46 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 27.4 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 18.8 points and 4.7 assists. Naz Reid is the third double-digit scorer, and Jaden McDaniels is grabbing 5.8 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.9 rebounds per game.

LA Lakers Betting Preview 

The LA Lakers enter the playoffs splitting their last 14 games. The Lakers are in the playoffs for a third straight season and the fifth time in the last six years. 

The LA Lakers are averaging 114.8 points on 47.9 percent shooting and allowing 113.6 points on 46.3 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 24.4 points and 7.8 rebounds, while Luka Doncic is averaging 28.2 points and 8.1 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer, and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc and 78.5 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43 rebounds per game.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win

• The Lakers have won 13 of their last 14 home games against Western Conference opponents.
• The Timberwolves have lost five of their last six games at Crypto.com Arena following a home win.
• The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last six games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
• The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine Saturday night games.

Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win

• The Timberwolves have won each of their last five playoff games as road underdogs against Western Conference opponents following a win.
• The Lakers have lost each of their last three playoff games as favorites against Northwest Division opponents.
• The underdogs have covered the spread in eight of the Lakers’ last nine playoff games.
• The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three playoff games as home favorites.

Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts

• Austin Reaves ranks 19th amongst qualified players for FT% (87.7%) this season.
• Dorian Finney-Smith ranks 27th amongst qualified players for 3P% (41.1%) this season.

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.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Injury Report

Maxi Kleber is out for the Lakers, while Rui Hachimura is questionable due to patellar tendinopathy. 

The Timberwolves don’t have any players listed on their injury report.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Prediction

The Lakers are getting the benefit of the doubt because they’re at home and they have LeBron and Luka. The Lakers are a very public team that’s going to get a lot love from oddsmakers and bettors. Flashing lights, baby. I might be on an island by myself, but I like the Timberwolves to win this series, so I’m going to grab the points where I can get them. While the Lakers have two of the best players in the league, depth is a concern. Also, the Lakers lack size, while the Timberwolves have Gobert, Reid, and Randle. Jaden McDaniels can make life difficult for whoever he’s guarding, and Edwards has a knack for getting up for the big games. The Timberwolves are live in this series and have matchups that can make life hell for the Lakers. Give me the points.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +4