The 6-seed Minnesota Timberwolves head to Los Angeles to face the 3-seed Lakers on Saturday night. The game is at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. It’s Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Can the Lakers cover the 4-point spread as home favorites? Keep reading for our Timberwolves vs. Lakers betting prediction.
The series is tied 0-0.
The Minnesota Timberwolves went 49-33 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 0-0 straight up and 0-0 ATS in the postseason this year. The Timberwolves are 39-42-1 ATS this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers went 50-32 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 0-0 straight up and 0-0 ATS in the postseason this year. The Lakers are 45-35-2 ATS this season.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Matchup & Betting Odds
507 Minnesota Timberwolves (+4) at 508 Los Angeles Lakers (-4); o/u 216.5
8:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 19, 2025
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: ABC
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 71% of public bettors are currently backing the Lakers when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Minnesota Timberwolves Daily Fantasy Spin
Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards had a monster game in his team’s 116-105 win over the Jazz last Sunday. The #1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft put up 43 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a blocked shot in 40 minutes. Edwards shot 15 of 31 from the floor and 7 of 18 from beyond the arc in the win.
Minnesota center Rudy Gobert notched a double-double in his team’s game last Sunday. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner recorded 19 points, 18 rebounds, a steal, and 4 blocks in 38 minutes. Gobert is fifth on the team in scoring with 12.0 points per game this year.
Los Angeles Lakers Daily Fantasy Spin
Lakers small forward LeBron James is listed as probable for Saturday’s game as he deals with a left hip flexor strain. The 40-year-old four-time league MVP is averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game this season.
Los Angeles power forward Maxi Kleber will miss Saturday’s contest with a foot injury. The German national is averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game this year.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers NBA Betting Trends
Minnesota is 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games against Los Angeles.
Minnesota is 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Los Angeles is 5-3-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Los Angeles is 27-14 ATS as the home team this season.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers NBA Prediction:
I like this matchup for the Lakers. L.A.’s addition of Luka Doncic should prove pivotal in this series. Doncic torched Minnesota in the playoffs last season to the tune of 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 4.6 made three-pointers per game. The Mavericks beat the Timberwolves 4-1 in that series, with Dallas’ final two wins coming by 9+ points apiece. Doncic now has LeBron James and Austin Reaves on his team to help distribute the scoring load more evenly. This series will probably end up being competitive, but I’m taking LeBron James and Luka Doncic playing at home on 5 full days of rest. The pick is Los Angeles -4 points over Minnesota at Bovada.lv.