Lakers vs. Timberwolves Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Charlie Grant
The All-Star centre is licking his lips at the chance to put up big numbers on Sunday when the T-Wolves host a Los Angeles Lakers side missing LeBron James.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to 1-4 straight up since LBJ went down with a groin injury. The mini skid has dropped the Purple and Gold down significantly in the ultra-competitive Western Conference standings.
LA is 21-18 SU and just 16-22-1 against the spread for the season. The club is only a game and a half up on the Sacramento Kings for the final playoff spot in the West. The Lakers are coming off a 119-112 home loss to the New York Knicks. Oddsmakers had the Lake Show as 5.5-point home faves for the game against the Knicks.
The Under has been a better play for LA games in recent weeks – despite the high score in its last game. The Under is 6-3 in the Lakers’ last nine contests and 23-15-1 on the campaign.
Minnesota is coming off a 17-point win over the Orlando Magic as 4.5-point home chalk. The Wolves have been up and down as an ATS bet, but they’ve been absolute gold for Over bettors. Minny has played Over the total in 10 straight games.
The T-Wolves 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six meetings with the Lakers. Minnesota has been a much better bet on its home floor than when the club is on the road. The Timberwolves are 12-7 ATS at the Target Center and 8-12 against the number when playing they’re away from home.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James hasn’t won a league MVP award since 2013 but he continues to show there isn’t another player in the league more valuable to their team. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 50 games a year ago with LBJ and now they’re on pace to win 17 games this season.
The Lakers won 35 games last season and were on pace to win 48 games this year before the injury to James. Team officials project James should be back in the lineup by the middle of the month.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves are just 2-3 SU in their last five games but there isn’t much more Karl-Anthony Towns could be doing to improve the results. The dynamic big man is averaging 30 points, 16.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists over the last five games.
His numbers could swell further now that his prefered point guard is back in the lineup. Jeff Teague played for the first time in three weeks and tallied 23 points and 10 assists in the win over the Magic.
