NBA Playoff Picks, Predictions: How Should You Be Betting Lakers vs. Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers face off in the second play-in game of the night tonight. How should you be betting on the game? Ben Rajavuori answers.
Ben Rajavuori - April 11, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
5 minNBA Playoff Picks, Predictions: How Should You Be Betting Lakers vs. Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers face off in the second play-in game of the night tonight. The Wolves finished the season 42-40 (with some drama as well) and will be on the road against the slightly better 43-39 Lakers. The Lakers host the game at Crypto.com Arena, where both teams will fight for the seventh seed in the 2023 playoffs. The loser will have one more chance, but winning tonight is huge for overall seeding. With such a big game on the line, what is the best bet?
Los Angels Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
Without wasting any time, my favorite play is the over for a few reasons. The Timberwolves rank seventh in tempo this season, while the Lakers rank third in tempo. Both teams look to push the pace on offense, and there's no better formula to an over in the NBA than teams who don't let the shot clock run down.
The Timberwolves come into the game with several key defensive players out of action. Rudy Gobert, who has been one of the best defenders in the NBA this season, will miss this game due to suspension after throwing a punch in the huddle in the last game. Jaden McDaniels is also out due to a hand injury sustained after punching a wall in frustration during the previous game. McDaniels was one of the best perimeter defenders on the team, and his absence will be felt. Additionally, Naz Reid is injured, so the Timberwolves are without two key big men. This is bad news against a team with Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
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With two key defensive pieces out for the Timberwolves, they will need to lean heavily on their offense. Karl Anthony Towns is an excellent offensive player, but not the same on defense as Rudy Gobert. However, the Lakers should be able to dominate inside with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and I don’t expect the Timberwolves to have an answer down low with Towns trying to defend them all game.
The Timberwolves also commit the fourth-most turnovers per game, which could give the Lakers a lot of quick points in transition off turnovers. On the other hand, the Timberwolves are third overall this season in field goal percentage at 49%, so they can keep up even if they commit a bunch of turnovers.
Since the birth of the play-in tournament, only three of the 12 games have gone over the total. However, I think that trend is due for some regression, and this game is the perfect opportunity for that. With both teams looking to push the pace on offense and the Timberwolves missing several key defensive players, I expect the game to go over 233 points.
The absence of Gobert, McDaniels, and Reid will be too much for the Timberwolves to overcome in the backcourt, especially against a talented Lakers team that plays fast and has found its form in recent weeks. For the Wolves to have a chance, they have to run the scoreboard up, and I think they know that. They have many capable scorers in KAT, Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, but the missing pieces will be felt in the backcourt. I like this game to clear 233 and maybe even get close to 250.
Los Angels Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Pick: Timberwolves/Lakers O233 @ (-110) Bet $100 to collect $190 DraftKings has the best odds; click here to bet
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Lakers vs. Timberwolves Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023
- Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: TNT
