A marquee matchup is set for this weekend when the Lakers host the Timberwolves. It’s a star-studded affair fit for Hollywood: LeBron James and Luka Doncic vs. Anthony Edwards. Game 1 of this best-of-seven series will tip off at 8:30pm EST on Saturday. Los Angeles enters as favorites (-195) over Minnesota on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Betting Splits
To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Lakers are commanding the overwhelming majority of bets in this series. 89% of the handle and 82% of all bets are backing the Purple and Gold to win four games. These two teams have split their last four meetings, all of which took place this season.
When dealing with a big market favorite such as the Lakers, it’s difficult to ignore value. Los Angeles wields two of the game’s best players in James and Doncic. However, Edwards is a terrific postseason performer; bet against the Timberwolves at your own risk.
Most Popular Player Props
Here are the most bet props for players in this series:
- Anthony Edwards 1st Round Points Leader (+550)
- LeBron James 1st Round Points Leader (+13000)
- Luka Doncic 1st Round Points Leader (+550)
- Luka Doncic to average 10+ Rebounds per game (+600)
- Rudy Gobert to average 12+ Rebounds per game (+190)
The public expects a monster series from Anthony Edwards, and it’s easy to see why. With Karl-Anthony Towns traded to New York, Ant-Man is the clear-cut top option for the Timberwolves. This season, he’s averaged 27.6 points, fourth in the NBA, on 44.7% shooting. Last postseason, the 23-year-old posted 27.6 points per game while logging 40.6 minutes.
Los Angeles’ two-headed monster checks in for spots two through four. Anyone with a pulse knows about James’ postseason success. The four-time champion tends to play his best when the lights are brightest; that remains the case at age 40. This season, LBJ put up 24.4 points per game on 51.3% shooting.
Doncic, acquired from the Mavericks in February, has thrived with his new club. As a Laker, the Slovenian has recorded 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game. Points make sense as a way to back Luka, but the rebounding angle is intriguing as well. Over 50 career postseason contests, the five-time All-Star has averaged 9.4 rebounds.
Lastly, we have Rudy Gobert making an appearance on the list. The Frenchman has seen his numbers decline across the board this season (12.0 PPG, 10.9 REB). Still, the Stifle Tower’s elite defense and rebounding makes him an invaluable piece for Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. In nine of his last ten meetings with the Lakers, Gobert has snagged at least 12 boards.
