Minnesota (49-33) at LA Lakers (50-32)
- When: Apr 19 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: ABC
NBA Playoffs Game 1 Preview & Expert Picks: Timberwolves vs Lakers
Line: Lakers -4.0 | Total: 217.0
Los Angeles Lakers (No. 3 Seed)
The Lakers head into Game 1 with home-court advantage and strong momentum after a 19-13 finish following Luka Doncic’s arrival in early February. Since acquiring Doncic, the Lakers have reshaped their identity, stabilizing defensively and improving ball distribution.
Doncic, who joined from Dallas after recovering from a calf strain, has been excellent in purple and gold, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. His ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor complements LeBron James perfectly. James, in his 22nd season, remains an all-around threat, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 boards, and 8.2 dimes across 70 games — proving he still has the juice in big moments.
With Anthony Davis no longer in the mix, Jaxson Hayes has stepped in at center and held his ground. While not on Davis’ level, Hayes has put up a solid 8.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game since Doncic joined, providing enough interior presence to complement the Lakers’ offensive firepower.
Player Prop Picks:
Luka Doncic OVER 8.5 assists
LeBron James OVER 24.5 points
Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 6 Seed)
Don’t let the lower seeding fool you — the Wolves closed the season on a tear, going 17-4 down the stretch. After a mid-season slump and some roster reshuffling, Minnesota found their stride behind Anthony Edwards and midseason acquisition Julius Randle.
Edwards leads the charge with 27.6 points per game and brings energy that’s impossible to ignore. His confidence heading into the matchup is sky-high — and rightfully so. Randle, acquired in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns, has seamlessly integrated into the offense, averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while helping stabilize the team’s late-season surge.
Minnesota will be hungry to prove doubters wrong and play spoiler to the media-favorite Lakers, bringing a mix of high-tempo offense and grit to the matchup.
Player Prop Picks:
Anthony Edwards OVER 26.5 points
Julius Randle OVER 7.5 rebounds
Game 1 Prediction:
The Lakers have the superstar edge with Doncic and James leading the charge, and they’re well-rested and prepared. But Minnesota’s late-season run can’t be ignored — they’re a dangerous sixth seed with the physicality and confidence to steal one on the road.
Final Score Prediction: Lakers 109, Timberwolves 106
ATS Pick: Timberwolves +4.0
O/U Lean: UNDER 217.0
Expect a tight, playoff-style battle with both teams dialing up the defensive intensity. The Lakers may take Game 1, but don’t count out the Wolves to cover and make this series interesting from the jump.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
