The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) and Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) will face off in Game 2 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites over the Timberwolves on the spread (Lakers -5.5), with the over/under set at 210.5 total points. Los Angeles is a -235 favorite to win outright, while Minnesota is +190 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, April 22.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Picks, Prediction
My Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 2 best bet is on the Over at 210.5 total points, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Over 210.5 (-110)
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 2
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 210.5 -110o / -110u | +190 |
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 210.5 -110o / -110u | -235 |
- Timberwolves vs. Lakers spread: Lakers -5.5
- Timberwolves vs. Lakers over/under: 210.5 total points
- Timberwolves vs. Lakers moneyline: Timberwolves +190, Lakers -235
- Timberwolves vs. Lakers best bet:Over 210.5 (-110)
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Game 2 Preview
Before the first game of this series, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said that he loves everybody wants the Lakers to win. Well, his Timberwolves probably disappointed many people with the Game 1 victory.
The Timberwolves flipped the game by outscoring the Lakers 38-20 in the second quarter to take a double-digit halftime lead. By the third quarter, that lead had swelled to 27 and Minnesota cruised to a 117-95 victory.
Minnesota used the three-ball to carry the way offensively, 21-for-42 from deep with many being wide open looks. Jaden McDaniels made the Lakers' defense pay as he went 11-for-13 from the field and 3-for-3 from three, as he matched his playoff career-high with 25 points.
Naz Reid went 6-for-9 from three and scored 23 points off the bench. Edwards did not have his most efficient game, but he contributed across the board with 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.
Now, the Lakers are put in a must-win position as they do not want to go to Minnesota in a 0-2 hole. However, it will not be an uncomfortable position for LeBron James. When losing Game 1, James-led teams still gone on to win 12 of 23 playoff series.
After scoring just 19 points in the series opener, I would expect him to bounce back. In his playoff career, James has averaged 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in 54 Game 2s. James' new running mate, Luka Doncic, led the way with 37 points in Game 1.
Luka has now scored 30 points in five of his last six playoff games against Minnesota. However, he did have one assist, as the Lakers shot just 39.8% from the field. They were effective from three-point range, as they made 15 threes, 11 by way of Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Betting Predictions
In the first matchup of this series, the over/under opened at 218.5 and closed at 215.5 points. The game went under, as the two teams finished with a combined total 212 points.
However, the total has now come down too far. Saturday's total would clear tonight's line of 210.5 points, and that was the Lakers shooting below 40% from the field.
Additionally, 14 of the Lakers' last 17 playoff games have had at least 211 points, while five of the Timberwolves' last six playoff games have reached 211 points. James and Edwards also combined for 41 points, and I do not expect that to be the case again in Game 2.
James has scored 25 points in 10 of his last 13 playoff games, and in four of his last seven games against Minnesota. With the Lakers down 0-1, I expect him to be more aggressive tonight, and I have documented his Game 2 track record.
In Game 1, Rudy Gobert played just 24 minutes, as Chris Finch opted to play Reid 31 minutes. I would expect that to remain the case in Game 2, as Reid is the better matchup on both ends of the floor in this series. He also took advantage of his minutes with 23 points. He has scored 15 points or more in five of his past eight games against the Lakers.
Meanwhile, McDaniels and Hachimura both knocked down three triples in the series opener. Given the attention that will be on James, Doncic, and Edwards, they should have enough open looks to knock down at least two again in Game 2, even if the Lakers' defense is more competitive defending the three tonight.
McDaniels has now made two threes in two of his last three games against the Lakers, and Hachimura has knocked down two in six of his last 10 games.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Game 2 Best Bet
- Over 210.5 Points (-110)
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Same Game Parlay Picks
- LeBron James 25+ Points
- Naz Reid 15+ Points
- Jaden McDaniels 2+ Threes Made
- Rui Hachimura 2+ Threes Made
Parlay Payout: +1700
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Betting Trends
