The Minnesota Timberwolves (2-4) go head-to-head against the Los Angeles Lakers (2-4) at Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, October 29, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Minnesota is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 238.5 points.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction
The Lakers are hoping to rebound after failing to cover as 1-point favorites in their 110-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in their last game. The game’s total points (216) came in well under the projected point total of 232.5. San Antonio’s 0.209 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Los Angeles, who had a rate of 0.128. The Spurs’ mark was below their season average of 0.212, while the Lakers’ was below their season average of 0.177. LeBron James was the game’s leading scorer with 35 points on 13-for-21 shooting.
The last time the Timberwolves played, they lost big to the Milwaukee Bucks, 125-95. They were not able to cover as 2-point underdogs. The total points for the game (220) were under the projected point total of 233.5. Milwaukee made 19 of their 46 three pointers (41.3 percent), while Minnesota was 10-43 (23.3 percent). With 16 points on 7-for-16 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns was the top scorer from either team.
Minnesota figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Lakers rank 14th in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2017-18 season. This contest should be a showdown of opposite styles. The fast-breaking Lakers rank first in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Timberwolves rank 22nd.
Los Angeles comes into the game with records of 2-4 straight up (SU) and 2-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Lakers’ 6 games, five have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 2-4 SU and 2-4 ATS. Vegas is extremely accurate when predicting totals of Timberwolves games, with an even split between overs and unders.
The Timberwolves won all four contests against the Lakers last season. In the most recent matchup, Minnesota won 113-96. The Timberwolves had a much better turnover percentage (4.3 vs. 17.7) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.470 vs. 0.443).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
When allowing under 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and Minnesota is 20-4.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Timberwolves are 47-28 and the Lakers are 34-33.
Minnesota ranks fifth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while Los Angeles ranks last in points allowed in the paint per game (49.6).
The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Lakers rank 24th (8.3).
Los Angeles averages 14.0 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the league. Minnesota ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (18.2) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (10.2).
Minnesota ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while Los Angeles ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.1).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (42.2).
Los Angeles ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (29.3) while Minnesota ranks last (22.9).
The Lakers average 24.0 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Timberwolves rank 20th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
Minnesota ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (4.8) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (5.4).
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