Lakers vs. Timberwolves Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Jeremy Perry
It’s been a rough start to the season for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they are having chemistry issues that are visible on and off the court. On Monday, they’ll host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who enter with a similar 2-4 record but in much higher spirits.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Lakers have struggled to start the year and the concern in this spot is that they’re on the road. Contributors like Kyle Kuzma (23.3 vs 15.7), JaVale McGee (17.7 vs 14.0) and Lonzo Ball (13.3 vs 8.3) all average more points per game at home than on the road. The Lakers will need a big effort from LeBron James to lead the way.
The T-Wolves are not that reliable of a bet as a favorite as they are 41-49 ATS in that role over the last three seasons. They have played well against the Lakers, though, winning four straight at the Target Center while covering three of those meetings. They have also won six of the last eight matchups overall (covering five times).
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers earned back-to-back wins over the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets last Wednesday and Thursday, bit couldn’t keep the momentum going on Saturday. They lost 110-106 at San Antonio. The good news is that the Lakers defence appears to be much better of late. They allowed 131.2 points per game through their first three contests of the season but have cut that down to 112.3 over their last three contests.
Minnesota Timberwolves
It’s been a disastrous start to the season for the Timberwolves. Remember, this is a team that won 47 games last year, made the playoffs and was supposed to be on the rise. However, Jimmy Butler demanded a trade right before the start of the regular season, called out his teammates and the team has been a dysfunctional mess ever since.
Minnesota has lost four of its first six games to start the year. Their wins have come at home against Cleveland – who has yet to win a game – and Indiana. They’re shooting just 43.1% from the field as a team, which is 25th in the NBA and allowing opponents to hit 47.6% of their shots, which is 21st. They’ve been off since Friday when they took their biggest beating of the season. They lost 125-95 at home to Milwaukee. The Bucks shot 53.3% from the field and won by 30 even though they lost the turnover battle 17-7. The T-Wolves were outrebounded 62-49, which has been a common theme for them. Their -4.8 rebounding margin is 24th in the NBA.
Minnesota was without Andrew Wiggins for that game (quad) and he’s questionable to play on Monday.
