by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Dec 12, 2024
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET, Friday, December 13, 2024
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Where to Watch: FDSN
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Lakers +7, Timberwolves -7; Over/Under: 217.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Lakers +7.5, Timberwolves -7.5; Over/Under: 217.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Lakers +7.5, Timberwolves -7.5; Over/Under: 217.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Lakers: 13-11 (3rd place, Pacific Division)
Minnesota Timberwolves: 12-11 (3rd place, Northwest Division)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Lakers: 3-7 last 10
Minnesota Timberwolves: 5-5 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Analysis
The Lakers are entering this game with a 13-11 record overall this season and they are 5-8 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Anthony Davis led the team in points in that game with 30 while D'Angelo Russell was next on the team with 28 points. D'Angelo Russell led the team in assists in that game with 14 while Anthony Davis led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 45.8% from the field, 38.2% from 3-point range, and 85.7% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 112.1 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 115.8 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 10-14 this season and their O/U record is 11-13.
The Timberwolves are entering this game with a 12-11 record overall this season and they are 7-4 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Golden State Warriors. Anthony Edwards led the team in points in that game with 27 while Nickeil Alexander-Walker was next on the team with 19 points. Anthony Edwards led the team in assists in that game with 6 while Julius Randle led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 45.6% from the field, 45.2% from 3-point range, and 75% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 110.5 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 107 PPG against them. The Timberwolves have an ATS record of 9-14 this season and their O/U record is 11-12.
Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction
The current betting odds have the Timberwolves listed as a 7 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Timberwolves have looked good in their games this season with their 12-11 record overall, but that record has them in the bottom half of the West at the moment. They have looked better on their home court this year with their 7-4 home record and they will be looking to get on a run so they can climb the standings. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked good in their games this season with their 13-11 record overall, but that record has them right above the Timberwolves in 9th place of the West. They have looked a lot worse in their road games this season with their 5-8 road record and they could be without some key players in this game. They are coming off a win against the Trail Blazers in their last one, but they really haven't looked that great lately. The Timberwolves are coming off a loss to the Warriors in their last one, but they were on a little streak before that loss and will be looking to bounce back on their home court. They are the healthier team here too and should be able to take advantage of a banged up Lakers team on their home court. The best way to place a bet here is on the Timberwolves to cover the spread in this game.
Lakers Timberwolves Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Friday, December 13, 2024 (8:00 pm ET start time) is Timberwolves 113 Lakers 99.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers: 9-16 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points. 6-11 ATS versus good defensive teams - allowing 108 points/game or less. 34-24 UNDER when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%). 9-5 1H UNDER when the total is 210 to 219.5.
Minnesota Timberwolves: 32-22 ATS when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%). 26-19 1H ATS when the total is 210 to 219.5. 19-11 UNDER as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points. 20-13 UNDER vs. poor rebounding teams - outrebounded by opponents by 3+ per game.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers: L. James (SF) Day To Day - Foot. A. Reaves (SG) Day To Day - Pelvis. J. Vanderbilt (PF) Out - Knee. J. Hayes (C) Out - Ankle. C. Wood (PF) Out - Knee.
Minnesota Timberwolves: R. Dillingham (PG) Day To Day - Ankle. J. Ingles (SF) Day To Day - Soleus.
Notable Quotes
“We have a great opportunity the rest of the month. Today was one of six potential practice days that we have and we got a lot done today. And I think the group came with a good, workmanlike approach and yeah, we’re going to try to get better. We’re going to try to get better. I thought coming off of Friday, coming off of Sunday — where we played the right way where we were competitive, we were together, connected, all of those things — we have something to build on.” - JJ Redick on the team’s extended rest due to the NBA In-Season Tournament.
"To put everything in context, the last few days since that game, we went back and looked at all of his clutch-time decision-making this season. And he graded out at about 80 percent. In our mind, subjectively, putting our eyes on it, we felt that he has made the right play 80 percent of the time, which is great." - Chris Finch on Anthony Edwards this season.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
PG D'Angelo Russell
SG Dalton Knecht
SF Rui Hachimura
PF LeBron James
C Anthony Davis
Minnesota Timberwolves
PG Mike Conley
SG Anthony Edwards
SF Jaden McDaniels
PF Julius Randle
C Rudy Gobert
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: A. Davis (27.5)
APG: L. James (9.1)
Reb/G: A. Davis (11.2)
Minnesota Timberwolves
PPG: A. Edwards (26.4)
APG: M. Conley (4.4)
Reb/G: R. Gobert (11)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (1st season)
Minnesota Timberwolves: Chris Finch (5th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
