NFL Pickwatch - Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/13/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Los Angeles Lakers hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Los Angeles Lakers +328 (Caesars) / Minnesota Timberwolves -375 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -9.0 - Los Angeles Lakers -109 (BetRivers) / -8.5 - Minnesota Timberwolves -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 214.0 - Under -110 (bet365) / 213.5 - Over -110 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 12/13/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
TV: NBA League Pass

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends

On the road, the Los Angeles Lakers have 5 wins and 8 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Los Angeles Lakers have 1 wins and 8 losses this season.
This season, the Los Angeles Lakers have hit 11 overs and 13 unders.

Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends

At home, the Minnesota Timberwolves have 7 wins and 4 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Minnesota Timberwolves have 12 wins and 9 losses this season.
This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have hit 11 overs and 12 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves have faced each other six times. In these matchups, the Timberwolves have emerged victorious in four games, while the Lakers have won twice. The home team has generally had the upper hand, winning five out of the six games, with the visiting team securing just one victory. When it comes to covering the spread, the Lakers have been more successful, achieving this in four games compared to the Timberwolves' two. The games have been evenly split in terms of total points, with three games going over the set total and three staying under.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on December 2, 2024, where the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers with a decisive score of 109-80. The Timberwolves, playing at home, were the favorites with a point spread of -7.5 and successfully covered it with a 29-point victory. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 18 points, while Rudy Gobert contributed significantly with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Timberwolves showcased their efficiency by shooting 50.6% from the field and making 15 three-pointers. In contrast, the Lakers struggled offensively, shooting only 40.5% from the field and 19.4% from beyond the arc. D'Angelo Russell was the top scorer for the Lakers with 20 points. The Timberwolves also dominated in assists and rebounds, highlighting their teamwork and control throughout the game.

In terms of betting odds, the Timberwolves were favored with a moneyline of -285, indicating a strong expectation of victory, which they fulfilled. The total score of the game was 189, falling well below the over-under line of 219.5, resulting in an under outcome. This game further solidified the Timberwolves' home-court advantage in this matchup, as they have consistently performed well against the Lakers in recent meetings. As both teams prepare for their upcoming clash, these historical statistics provide a clear picture of their past performances and could offer insights into potential strategies and outcomes.

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a matchup that promises intrigue and intensity. The Lakers, currently holding a 13-11 record, have been struggling to find consistency after a strong start to the season. They have lost seven of their last ten games, a slump exacerbated by injuries and the absence of their star player, LeBron James, who is sidelined with left foot soreness. James, who is averaging 23 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds this season, will miss his second consecutive game, leaving a significant void in the Lakers' lineup.

In contrast, the Timberwolves have shown signs of resurgence, winning four of their last five games before a recent setback against the Golden State Warriors. With a 12-11 record, they sit just below the Lakers in the Western Conference standings. The Timberwolves have been buoyed by strong performances from Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, who have been pivotal in their recent victories. The team has been effective on both ends of the floor, particularly at home, where they have a 7-4 record this season.

Historically, the Timberwolves have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Lakers, winning four of the last six encounters. Their most recent victory was a dominant 109-80 win, where they showcased their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. The Lakers, on the other hand, have struggled on the road, with a 5-8 record, and will need to rely heavily on Anthony Davis, who is listed as probable despite dealing with left plantar fasciitis. Davis's performance will be crucial, especially in the absence of James, as the Lakers look to exploit any weaknesses in the Timberwolves' defense.

Both teams have been playing at a slower pace, with the Timberwolves ranking 24th and the Lakers 20th in pace. This could lead to a tightly contested game where execution in half-court sets becomes vital. The Timberwolves' ability to control the tempo and capitalize on their home-court advantage could be decisive. As the Lakers aim to bounce back and the Timberwolves seek to maintain their momentum, this matchup is poised to be a compelling contest with significant implications for both teams' standings in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick: Total Points Over

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, the betting landscape suggests a compelling case for the total points to go over. Despite both teams' recent struggles, there are several factors that point towards a high-scoring affair. The Lakers, even in the absence of LeBron James, have shown the ability to put up points, as evidenced by their recent 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Anthony Davis, who is expected to play despite dealing with left plantar fasciitis, will be a key offensive weapon for the Lakers. His ability to score and facilitate will be crucial in driving up the point total.

On the other side, the Timberwolves have been on an offensive upswing, winning four of their last five games before a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors. Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert have been instrumental in this resurgence, providing both scoring and defensive stability. The Timberwolves' recent performances have shown their capability to score efficiently, particularly at home where they have a 7-4 record. Their offensive prowess was on full display in their last meeting with the Lakers, where they secured a dominant 109-80 victory.

Both teams have been playing at a slower pace, with the Timberwolves ranking 24th and the Lakers 20th in pace. However, this does not necessarily preclude a high-scoring game, as both teams have shown the ability to execute effectively in half-court sets. The Timberwolves, in particular, have been efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 37.5% from three-point range, which ranks them among the top 10 teams in the league. This shooting efficiency, combined with their recent offensive form, suggests that they can contribute significantly to the total score.

Furthermore, the Lakers' defensive struggles cannot be overlooked. They are currently 21st in scoring defense, allowing opponents to score 114.4 points per 100 possessions. This defensive vulnerability, coupled with the Timberwolves' offensive capabilities, sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring encounter. Given these dynamics, the over on the total points line appears to be a strong play for this matchup.

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Top Player Prop Picks

Anthony Davis Over 3.5 Assists -120 (FanDuel)

Anthony Davis has been a pivotal figure for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in the absence of LeBron James. With James sidelined due to left foot soreness, Davis's role as a facilitator becomes even more crucial. This season, Davis has shown his ability to contribute across the board, and with the Lakers needing to fill the void left by James, his assist numbers are likely to see an uptick. The Timberwolves' defense, while solid, will be focused on containing Davis's scoring, potentially opening up opportunities for him to distribute the ball effectively. Given the Lakers' need for offensive production and Davis's central role, taking the over on 3.5 assists is a strong play.

Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 Points -110 (DraftKings)

Rudy Gobert has been a consistent performer for the Minnesota Timberwolves, particularly in their recent stretch of games. With the Timberwolves looking to bounce back from a loss to the Warriors, Gobert's presence in the paint will be crucial. The Lakers have struggled defensively, ranking 21st in scoring defense, which could provide Gobert with ample opportunities to score. In their last meeting, Gobert contributed significantly with 17 points, showcasing his ability to exploit the Lakers' defensive weaknesses. With the Timberwolves playing at home and Gobert's recent form, the over on 10.5 points is an appealing option.

Anthony Edwards Over 5.5 Rebounds +123 (BetRivers)

Anthony Edwards has been a key player for the Timberwolves, and his all-around game has been instrumental in their recent successes. Edwards's ability to contribute on the boards is particularly noteworthy, as he has been active in securing rebounds, especially in crucial moments. The Lakers, without LeBron James, may struggle to control the glass, providing Edwards with additional opportunities to grab rebounds. Given the Timberwolves' need to maintain their momentum and Edwards's role in their game plan, the over on 5.5 rebounds offers value, especially with favorable odds.