Minnesota Timberwolves vs
Los Angeles LakersPredictions & Preview

Timberwolves Dominate Lakers in Game 1, Lakers Look to Bounce Back in Game 2 of NBA Playoffs

The 2025 NBA Playoffs will feature a Game 2 matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. During the regular season, these teams split their series 2-2, with the home team winning each game. In Game 1 of the playoffs, the Timberwolves dominated the Lakers with a 117-95 victory as a four-point underdog. The Lakers are currently favored to win Game 2, opening at -5 and the current line sitting at Los Angeles -5.5.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Timberwolves +205 | Lakers -245
• Spread: Timberwolves +5.5 (-110) | Lakers -5.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 210.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Los Angeles will win straight-up is 71%.

Minnesota vs Los Angeles Stats

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a strong start to the playoffs, winning eight of their last nine games to close out the regular season. In Game 1 against the Lakers, they demonstrated impressive shooting percentages and outrebounded their opponents. Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring and overall performance. The Timberwolves have shown success as road underdogs this season, with a record of 10-5 against the spread. In terms of rankings, they are ranked 14 in offense, 5 in defense, and have a season record of 50-33. Offensively, they excel in shooting percentages and free throws, while defensively they perform well in field goal and three-point defense. Overall, the Timberwolves have displayed strong offensive and defensive capabilities heading into the playoffs.

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

The Los Angeles Lakers had a strong regular season record at home but are now facing the possibility of falling behind 0-2 in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 1, they were outscored by a significant margin after a solid first quarter, with Luka Dončić leading the team in scoring. Despite solid contributions from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the rest of the team struggled offensively.

In terms of power rankings, the Lakers are ranked 18th overall and are 19th in offense, scoring 113.39 points per game. They have a strong defense, giving up an average of 112.17 points per game. The team's shooting percentages and rebounding stats are average, with room for improvement on both ends of the court.

Overall, the Lakers have a record of 50-33 and are 45-37-1 against the spread this season. They will need to improve their offensive efficiency and defensive performance in order to bounce back in the series against the Timberwolves.

Lakers Look to Bounce Back in Game 2 Against Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers performed poorly in Game 1, reflecting the significant shift in the point spread to -5.5 and a moneyline of -250. LeBron James and Luka Dončić are aware of the importance of avoiding a 0-2 deficit, potentially motivating them to deliver a strong performance. Despite impressive displays by Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels in the previous game, Julius Randle's turnovers may hinder a repeat performance. It is unlikely that all three players will excel again. Therefore, it is anticipated that the Lakers will respond with a victory and cover the spread in the upcoming game.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]