The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night for Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series. The game tips at 9:30 PM ET from Target Center. The series is tied 1-1 after two games in Los Angeles.
The Timberwolves won Game 1 by 22 points, but the Lakers answered with a 94-85 win in Game 2. Minnesota scored a season-low 85 points in that game. Both teams now shift to Minneapolis for the next two games in a matchup that has been close over the past two seasons.
Timberwolves Preview – A Return to Form at Home?
Minnesota went 50-34 in the regular season and finished 6th in the West. They posted a 25-16 home record and will look to use that advantage to take back control of the series. The team has been led by Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 23.5 points per game through the first two playoff contests.
Julius Randle has been a strong second option, putting up 21.5 points and 6 assists per game. Naz Reid has chipped in 16 points per contest off the bench. But Minnesota struggled on offense in Game 2, making just 37% of their shots and turning the ball over 14 times.
Defense has kept the Timberwolves in games. They rank top 10 in points allowed and defensive field goal percentage. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels are key pieces on that end, but they will need more from Mike Conley and the guards to match the Lakers’ backcourt scoring in Game 3.
Lakers Preview – Doncic Taking Over the Series
The Lakers finished 3rd in the West with a 50-32 record and were 19-22 on the road this year. After dropping Game 1, Los Angeles bounced back in Game 2 behind another big night from Luka Doncic. He scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists.
LeBron James added 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Austin Reaves had 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Rui Hachimura also scored in double digits. The Lakers shot 48% from the field in Game 2 and held Minnesota to just 5-of-26 from three-point range.
Los Angeles leads the NBA in free throws made and attempted, and they’re showing why. The team continues to push the ball inside and create contact. Their defense also held Minnesota under 90 points, and coach JJ Redick praised the team’s effort on that end. If the Lakers keep up that balance, they have a chance to steal one on the road.
Betting Prediction
Minnesota is favored by 4.5 points with the total set around 204. The series has been low scoring so far, hitting the under in both games. The Lakers have covered in six of their last ten matchups with Minnesota, and they are 46-36-2 ATS this season overall.
Doncic gives the Lakers the best player on the floor. If he continues to score and rebound at this level, Los Angeles should be in every game. Minnesota needs a bounce back on offense but has struggled to get consistent outside shooting. Predicted final score: Lakers 97, Timberwolves 93.
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers +4.5 over Minnesota Timberwolves
Best of luck with all your NBA betting!
