The Los Angeles Lakers (34-44) challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves (44-35) at Staples Center. The game will air on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves are hoping for a better outcome after their 100-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last game. One of Denver’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Timberwolves were 12-16 (75.0 percent). Karl-Anthony Towns was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
The last time the Lakers played, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 122-112. Los Angeles had an effective field goal percentage of 0.622 (above their season average of 0.518). San Antonio, on the other hand, held the Lakers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.4 (below their season average of 23.7). Kyle Kuzma was the game’s high scorer with 30 points on 11-for-23 shooting.
It will be a showdown of contrasting styles as the up-and-down Lakers will look to push the slower-paced Timberwolves. The Lakers rank first in possessions per game while the Timberwolves are 21st. Additionally, the Timberwolves rank first in turnover percentage (12.0 percent), while the Lakers rank 23rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (13.2 percent).
Minnesota heads into the contest with records of 44-35 straight up (SU) and 34-41-3 against the spread (ATS). Timberwolves games tend to finish over the total (56.4 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 34-44 SU and 41-36-1 ATS. Just over half of Lakers games have finished over the O/U total.
Kuzma has averaged 20.8 points and 7.6 rebounds over the last five games for Los Angeles.
The Timberwolves have emerged victorious in all three matchups against the Lakers this year, including a 119-111 victory in their last matchup. Minnesota was unable to cover as an 11-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 230 points, which was just 2.5 points above the projected point total of 227.5 points. The Timberwolves made 29 of their 31 free throws (93.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 11.0). Taj Gibson scored a game-high 28 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 15-22-2 ATS with 21 overs and 18 unders.
At home, Los Angeles is 21-17 ATS with 19 overs and 19 unders.
Minnesota is 17-4 when they allow less than 100 points, while Los Angeles is 13-5.
The Lakers are 31-29 when they reach the century mark, while the Timberwolves are 41-22.
Minnesota averages 48.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.7).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.3) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (9.5).
Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.3) while Minnesota ranks 25th (41.8).
The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Lakers rank 22nd (8.2).
Minnesota averages 13.4 second chance points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 28th in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).
The Timberwolves average 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Lakers rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.3).
Los Angeles ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (29.0) while Minnesota ranks last (22.5).
The Lakers average 23.9 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (24.1).
Minnesota ranks 13th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Los Angeles ranks 25th (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 4.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 1.8 points.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 108.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.0 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
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