After splitting wins in Los Angeles, the Lakers and Timberwolves head to Minnesota all tied up. Questions loom over both teams heading into the third game of this best-of-seven NBA playoff series. Will someone other than Anthony Edwards step up for the Timberwolves? Can LeBron James and the Lakers find success on offense against one of basketball’s best defenses?
Minnesota enters Friday’s contest as three-point favorites, with the over/under set at 207.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s break down everything you need to know before tonight’s Game 3 action.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves preview, prediction
This series has been physical from the jump, with each side trying to out-muscle the other. That’s led to some ugly-looking offense for both teams. Still, the superstars have come to play in this Western Conference showdown. Through two games, Anthony Edwards is averaging 23.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. For the Lakers, Luka Doncic has posted 34.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists; that includes a near-triple-double in Game 2.
Minnesota, despite its issues defending Doncic, has done a solid job of slowing down his co-star. James, still an All-NBA talent in his 21st season, hasn’t looked like himself. So far, the four-time MVP has recorded a total of 40 points in this series. That’s nothing to sneeze at, but it’s not the Herculean effort fans have grown accustomed to seeing.
There’s always a solid floor for production between Los Angeles’ two superstars. That also goes for guard Austin Reaves, a dependable third option. It’s everyone else on the roster that remains uncertain. Getting a decent performance from a few role players is key to winning on the road. This postseason, only one player outside of LA’s Big Three has scored in double-digits.
The Timberwolves could also use additional support around their superstar. However, unlike Los Angeles, Minnesota has one of the association’s deepest benches. It’s getting star-level production alongside Edwards that can prove difficult; the obvious solution is improved play from Julius Randle. It’s been an up-and-down first season in Minneapolis for the three-time All-Star. The forward was at his best in Game 2, putting up 27 points, six rebounds and four assists. A similar stat line, combined with stellar defense on LeBron, would make a massive difference tonight.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves pick, best bet
Of all the first round NBA playoff matchups, this one could truly go either way. One factor that’s difficult to overlook is Minnesota’s decisive edge down low. Los Angeles traded Anthony Davis to get Doncic, but missed out on Hornets big man Mark Williams due to a failed medical. That’s forced the Lakers to start career backup Jaxson Hayes at center. More often than not, head coach JJ Redick has opted to go with a small-ball lineup for 30+ minutes. For the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid are capable of causing problems on both ends of the floor.
It’s no coincidence that the Lakers have failed to score more than 95 points in this series. In fact, that’s been the case in four of the last five meetings between these teams. That’s also without mentioning the good, not great, play of Edwards. In front of a raucous Minnesota crowd, Ant-Man could enjoy a vintage performance tonight. Elite defense and a superstar poised for a big game make it difficult to fade the Timberwolves on Friday.
