The Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0) stop by the Staples Center Sunday for a 10 p.m. ET game at the Los Angeles Lakers (1-1). Below, we analyze the Timberwolves-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Timberwolves at Lakers: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:01 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Timberwolves +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | Lakers -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Timberwolves +9.5 (-115) | Lakers -9.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Timberwolves at Lakers: Key Injuries
Timberwolves
- C Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) questionable
Lakers
- PF Anthony Davis (calf) out
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Timberwolves at Lakers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Timberwolves 122, Lakers 116
Money line (ML)
The Timberwolves picked up an impressive road win as 9-point underdogs vs. the Utah Jazz Saturday. Former Lakers PG D’Angelo Russell had a game-high 25 points with 6 assists in Minnesota’s 116-111 win over the Jazz.
The Lakers gifted themselves the first win of the season on Christmas against the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles drubbed Dallas, winning all four quarters, outrebounding the Mavs 53-27, shot 56% from the field and 48.7% from 3. SF LeBron James and Davis balled out, combining for 50 points, hitting 18 of 34 shots with 15 rebounds and 15 assists.
No AD Sunday is huge. His absence should make the Lakers cheaper than they are, especially if Minnesota’s Anthony Towns can play. KAT has struggled in his young career when he’s played against Lakers C Marc Gasol, but Gasol won’t be as much a factor this time around. Gasol is regressing defensively as he ages and has only played 15 minutes per in the first two games. Furthermore, the departures of C’s JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard will take their toll on the Lakers’ interior defense.
I’ll lightly bet TIMBERWOLVES (+333) for a quarter-unit with the plan of hitting the spread harder.
Against the spread (ATS)
Los Angeles hasn’t covered in four straight games following a win, which dates back to last regular season. Remember all the questions surrounding the Lakers heading into the playoffs last season?
Those questions were asked partially due to that 0-4 ATS trend because it highlights the inconsistency of the Lakers when they have nothing to play for. It’s the Sunday after a marquee Christmas game for the reigning champion Lakers in an awkward season with a short offseason. How much do they care about this game?
On the other hand, you know how amped Minnesota is to play the LA. GIMME TIMBERWOLVES +9.5 (-115) for 1.5 units.
Over/Under (O/U)
AD is one of the preseason favorites for Defense Player of the Year and his replacement—PF/C Montrezl Harrell—is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, who is known for his offense and is a below-average defender. There’s going to be a lot of offense in this one. I’ll take OVER 229.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
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Also see:
- LeBron ready for whatever minutes load is asked of him (LeBron Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Timberwolves | Lakers
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