The Los Angeles Lakers (1-1) and Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1) will meet for Game 3 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Timberwolves are 3.5-point favorites over the Lakers on the spread, with the over/under set at 208.5 total points. Minnesota is a -162 favorite to win outright, while Los Angeles is +136 to pull off the upset.
The Lakers bounced back with a win to even up the series at one game apiece in the latest meeting between these two teams, but now they travel to Minnesota for a pivotal Game 3 tonight.
Let's get into my Lakers vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Friday night.
Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction, Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 3
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 207.5 -110o / -110u | +136 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 207.5 -110o / -110u | -162 |
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves spread: Timberwolves -3.5
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves over/under: 208.5 total points
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves moneyline: Lakers +136, Timberwolves -162
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)
My Timberwolves vs. Lakers Game 3 best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Timberwolves Picks, Preview, Best Bets for Game 3
One of the narratives surrounding this series was that Rudy Gobert would struggle against the Lakers and their ability to space the floor. However, he's been excellent so far.
In Game 2, he allowed 22 points on 35 plays, while controlling the game defensively, despite the Timberwolves' loss, per Todd Whitehead. As a result, he's been playable, and it has given Minnesota an extra weapon throughout the series.
The Timberwolves have allowed Luka Doncic to get whatever he wants through two games. However, the rest of the team has struggled a bit with efficiency.
Luka is averaging 34 points, but LeBron James is the only player in the 20s, with exactly 20 per game. This lack of offensive diversity is not ideal for the Lakers.
On the flip side, Minnesota has received strong performances from Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid. The Wolves might not have the best player in the series, but they certainly have more outs.
However, as we saw in Game 2, Minnesota cannot afford to get out-matched from beyond the arc. Additionally, Randle can be effective, but even when he's having a great game, it rarely is the most efficient. The Wolves need fluid offense and better shot selection in order to succeed.
The Timberwolves have been abysmal this season as a home favorite, going 14-22 ATS. However, this is their first home game of the postseason, and there should be a great atmosphere for the players.
The Wolves have been the better team over the last month. Now they just need to secure home court. I'll lay the points with Minnesota in Game 3.
For my same game parlay, I'll combine Timberwolves moneyline, Doncic 30+ points, and Donte DiVincenzo over 1.5 three-pointers made for a potential payout of +280.
Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 3 Best Bet
- Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 3 Parlay Picks
- Luka Doncic Over 29.5 Points
- Donte DiVincenzo Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Timberwolves Moneyline
Parlay Payout: +280
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Timberwolves vs. Lakers Betting Trends
