Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers 10/22/24 – With the preseason coming to a close, the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-3 preseason) will face off in a regular season match-up against the Los Angeles Lakers (2-4 preseason) on Tuesday. In this contest at the Crypto.com Arena, both teams will be looking to finalize their strategies before the commencement of the regular season. The Tmberwolves aim to improve their record, and the Lakers aim to turn the home games into wins and even out the pre-season statistics. We move into the action now; this NBA latest prediction from the game’s experts makes this contest all the more entertaining on paper.
| When: | Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
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| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
RT if you’re ready pic.twitter.com/fKc3zydZjB
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 21, 2024
The betting odds are tightly packed with the Timberwolves slightly favored. The narrow spread suggests a close game, with both teams having almost equal chances to clinch the win. The total over/under standing at 226 points reflects expectations for a high-scoring game, aligning with the offensive capabilities observed in both squads during the preseason.
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | -0.5 (-111) | 226 over (-111) | -110 |  |
| BLakers | +0.5 (-111) | 226 under (-111) | +100 | |
| ||||
Anthony Edwards (SG) vs. LeBron James (SF)
Anthony Edwards has demonstrated improvement on the basketball court, with stats of 78 games started out of 79 games played and an average of 25.9 points in addition to 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game. While he has a high level of potential because of his capacity to penetrate and score consistently for the Timberwolves, his turnover average of 3.1 per game could be a concern against the Lakers’ well-drilled defense.
Last season, who played 71 games, LeBron James was perfect for the Lakers, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists a game. He possesses tremendous court vision and a wealth of experience and leadership necessary for pace control and optimizing the team’s offensive plays. His assist to turnover ratio does highlight his key efficiency, particularly where the margins are slim.
The clash between Edwards and James is definitely one for the purists. The pace and aggression should be 10 out of 10. On the offensive end, LeBron’s defense will be tested against Edwards’ scoring. Conversely, James’ well-rounded game will put Edwards on the defensive. The execution of these stars can be pivotal in shaping the flow of the game in terms of strategy, including scoring and defense.
Timberwolves’ Tactical Edge
The Timberwolves enter this game with a solid team framework built around quick transitions and perimeter shooting. Last season, they averaged 113 points per game with a 48.5% shooting accuracy from the field. Their strength in 3-point shooting (38.7%) will be crucial in stretching the Lakers’ defense. However, their defensive rebounding and occasional high turnover rate (13.4 per game) could give the Lakers opportunities to capitalize on fast breaks and second-chance points.
Lakers’ Strategic Play
The Lakers, with an average of 118 points per game last season, hold a slight offensive edge over the Timberwolves. Their ability to convert plays into points is supported by a higher field goal percentage (49.9%) and effective free-throw shooting (78.2%). Defensive strategies will need to focus on limiting turnovers and controlling the Timberwolves’ 3-point threats. The Lakers’ experience and depth, especially in late-game situations, could be decisive in a closely contested matchup.
Trends
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
Minnesota are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games.
Minnesota are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
Minnesota are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games against LA Lakers.
Timberwolves are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games against LA Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
LA Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers’ last 6 games.
LA Lakers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Lakers’ last 19 games against Minnesota.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Lakers’ last 12 games at home.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
Considering the team dynamics, player matchups, and recent trends, this game promises a thrilling finish. The Lakers have an advantage as they benefit from the depth and home arena in the final moments of contests. Due to the probable strong defensive presence from both teams, available wagers include Los Angeles to cover the spread and the UNDER on total points.
As far as prop bets go, keep an eye on LeBron James’s assists and Anthony Edwards’s points scored. For the bettors’ of this world, fantastic odds and useful statistics can be found on the top online betting sites. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Lakers 112, Timberwolves 109.
