LA Lakers (13-11) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-11)
December 13, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves -8.5; Over/Under: +217.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to the Target Center to battle the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Here’s a Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Pick.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in a slump as they’ve lost seven of their last 10 games overall, but they will be looking to build some momentum after snapping a three-game slide with a 107-98 home win over the Trail Blazers on Sunday. Anthony Davis led the team with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks, D’Angelo Russell added 28 points with 14 assists off the bench while Rui Hachimura chipped in with 23 points on nine of 13 shooting.
As a team, the Lakers shot 45 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they dominated the second quarter by 37-17 to turn an eight-point deficit into a 14-point halftime lead before they pulled away in the fourth quarter to come away with the much-needed win at home. The Lakers will meet the Grizzlies after this game.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in decent shape as they were riding a four-game win streak before they got stopped in their tracks by the Warriors in a 114-106 road defeat on Sunday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 27 points and six assists, Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 19 points on seven of nine shooting while Julius Randle chipped in with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
As a team, the Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field and 19 of 42 from the 3-point line as they played great defense early in the contest to take the lead into halftime, only to get smashed by 65-48 in the second half as they just had no answer for the Warriors’ duo of Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield who combined for 57 points.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The favorites have won each of the last 12 games between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last 10 games as road underdogs.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games following a win.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Timberwolves’ last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lakers’ last seven games against Western Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last four games against the Lakers following a road loss has gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Anthony Edwards ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (4.5) this season.
- Rudy Gobert ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for FG% (64.7%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (11.7).
- The Timberwolves rank 30th for fast break points (294) this season.
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for Q2 win percentage this season (66.7%).
- The Lakers rank T2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.0).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are still missing LeBron James and they are keeping an eye on Austin Reaves who is listed as questionable for this one, while the Timberwolves are at full strength except for Joe Ingles who is still out. The Lakers have been playing well below their best lately, but they would’ve taken plenty of confidence from their big win over the Trail Blazers as they did it without James, it’s going to be tough to replicate that effort against one of the best defenses in the league. The Timberwolves open as clear favorites at home and I think they take full advantage of the shorthanded Lakers in this spot.
