Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Betting Analysis, Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers (16-13) travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves (13-15) on Friday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 P.M. EST.
The Lakers Narrowly defeated the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday by a final score of 107-104. They have played well as of late, with wins in seven of their past ten contests.
After an 0-5 start to the month of December, the Timberwolves have rebounded nicely, with two consecutive wins heading into Friday. They most recently defeated Denver 124-107 on Wednesday.
Let’s take an in-depth look at this Western Conference showdown.
Betting Analysis for Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves NBA
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Stats & Analysis
The Lakers are finally playing quality basketball. They labored through the first month and half of the season, but they now find themselves tied with the Clippers for the fifth spot in West.
However, the team has been hit hard by covid this past week, with five players currently inactive. One of those players is Russell Westbrook. But the Lakers recently signed a player to help fill the void at point guard.
The Lakers and Isaiah Thomas reportedly agreed on a 10-day contract. Thomas was rumored to sign with the team before the season began, but nothing ever came to fruition. Following a recent impressive G-League performance, the Lakers decided to take a chance on the veteran.
Los Angeles should still be able to remain competitive with LeBron James and Anthony Davis still on the floor. Both players have performed well over the past couple of weeks and have been key in turning the Laker’s year around.
LeBron is averaging just over 26 points per game to go along with 6.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds per contest. Davis has posted 23.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game as well as 2.1 blocks per game this season.
Having Westbrook out could actually work to the Lakers’ advantage. LeBron is a tremendous play initiator and will likely have the ball at the top of the key more often than not. Davis and James could work well off of each other on Friday.
The Lakers rank 28th in turnovers per game with a mark of 15.3. But that number could drop without the turnover-prone Westbrook in the equation.
The Lakers, who rank fourth in the NBA in points per game, will look to keep rolling in Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Stats & Analysis
Minnesota is hanging around in the West here in mid-December. They are 4-6 over their past ten contests, but they looked sharp in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 70 points in the win. D’Angelo Russel added 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the game.
The big three of Russell, Edwards, and Towns have the potential to be dominant. Together, they have led Minnesota to 109 points per game which ranks 11th in the NBA.
So what is the issue? Why is Minnesota not playing better?
Efficiency has been a looming problem for the team this season. They rank 27th in field goal percentage with a mark of 42.8 percent. When you couple that with the fact that the Timberwolves rank 26th in turnovers per game, it is no wonder that they have struggled to win on a consistent basis.
If they can iron these issues out, they could make a postseason run down the stretch. The team is not short on talent, especially with Anthony Edwards developing into a true star.
Minnesota will look to slow down the Lakers on Friday night.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Betting Trends
The Lakers are just 11-18 ATS this season, which ranks second to last in the NBA. They have compiled an over/under record of 15-14. Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in their last five matchups with Minnesota.
The Timberwolves are 15-13 ATS so far in 2021. They have gone 14-14 against the over/under. Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against the Lakers at home.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Betting Odds
Bestodds has the Timberwolves favored to win by 1 point. Capperspicks lists Minnesota as a 1.5-point favorite against the Lakers at home.
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How To Bet On: Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves NBA – Betting lines
Both the Lakers and Timberwolves are coming off of impressive victories in their last games, so momentum certainly will not be a problem for either side.
It will be interesting to see how Los Angeles plays without Russell Westbrook on Friday.
This game will likely come down to the wire. Neither team holds a large advantage, but the Timberwolves are the healthier team.
The Lakers are lacking quality options at point guard, which might lead to a big game for D’Angelo Russell.
The Lakers can’t rely on LeBron and Davis for everything in this game. Even if the duo plays extremely well, Los Angeles won’t win unless someone else steps up.
I still think scoring won’t be an issue for the team. However, the defense might be.
Attempting to defend Karl-Anthony Towns is a tall task. And even if they do that, you still have Anthony Edwards to think about. The Lakers lack the defensive weapons to shut down this Wolves’ offense.
Unless the Lakers have a huge game in the scoring department, the Timberwolves should be able to emerge victorious in this one. I am rolling with Minnesota to cover the spread on Friday night.
OBS Betting Picks for Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves NBA
Take the Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5.
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