Lakers vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Odds: Edwards Hosts Doncic, Series Tied 1-1

Friday’s NBA Playoff schedule closes with a star-studded matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Tied 1-1, star performers Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic compete to take control of the series. For new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and receive $250 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!

For the best NBA game previews, WSN has you covered with betting picks and tips every day throughout the 2024-25 NBA season! New sports bettors supporting the Los Angeles Lakers or the Minnesota Timberwolves can take advantage of the top NBA sportsbook promos and bonuses before their Game 3, Western Conference First Round matchup begins!

When Game 3 of the West Playoffs series between the Lakers and Timberwolves tips off, Minnesota will have home court advantage with a 1-1 record. Luka Doncic projects to do the heavy lifting for the Lakers once again after leveling the series in Game 2. Anthony Edwards will try to lead Minnesota to a 2-1 series lead after the Lakers could not maintain their momentum from Game 1. Game 3 tips off at 9:30 PM EST at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick

• My Pick: Spread - Minnesota Timberwolves -3.0 (-110) at FanDuel

The series will switch to the Timberwolves’ home court on Friday night, as they will host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3. Neither team shot the ball well in Game 2, but Minnesota will benefit from being on their home court. Minnesota is the more consistent three-point shooting team, shooting 38.1% from deep at home while boasting five key players who shoot over 37% from three. Expect the Lakers to push the pace on the road, but their lack of quality shooting should cause issues against the Timberwolves offense.

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Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers have all the momentum going into Game 3 despite the series switching to Minnesota’s home court. Luka Doncic has led the way for the Lakers, but on the road and against a hostile crowd, he could use the support of veteran superstar LeBron James to help carry the load on Friday night.

After an underwhelming performance in Game 1, the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in Game 2. They still struggled from three-point range, hitting just six threes on 20.7% efficiency, but their defense kept them in the game. The Lakers need to be more efficient on offense to claim a win in Game 3, but Luka Doncic’s improved playmaking is a good sign heading into hostile territory.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the NBA’s stronger teams against the spread, posting a 46-36-2 ATS Record, the sixth-best mark in the NBA. They have a 56.1% cover percentage, a +1.0 margin of victory, and a -0.7 ATS +/- this season. The Lakers covered the spread in Game 2 (-5.5) and won outright (-238).

Young star Luka Doncic has overshadowed LeBron James through two games, but the Lakers’ veteran leader’s contributions can’t be ignored. He’s averaging 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. James is coming off a double-double where he posted 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Shooting just 20.0% from deep, James’ effectiveness on offense will determine the Lakers’ chances at success.

Regarding the Los Angeles Lakers injury report, (C) Maxi Kleber (Foot) is out with no timetable for his return.

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Minnesota Timberwolves Preview

After a strong showing in Game 1, the Minnesota Timberwolves could not maintain their momentum against the Lakers in Game 2. They’ll welcome the Lakers to their home court on Friday night, where the Timberwolves found significant success during the regular season. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are coming off strong performances, but Minnesota’s role players must step up to the plate.

The Timberwolves’ offensive performances in Games 1 and 2 have been night and day. While they were on fire in Game 1, Minnesota shot just 38.0% from the field in Game 2, hitting just five threes on 20.0% efficiency. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels could not replicate their stellar Game 1 performance.

The Minnesota Timberwolves struggled against the spread this season, posting a 40-43-1 ATS Record, 19th in the NBA. They have a 48.2% cover percentage, a +5.0 margin of victory, and a +0.7 ATS +/- this season. The Timberwolves last covered the spread (+4.5) and won outright (+171) in Game 1.

Anthony Edwards is in the spotlight going into Game 3, averaging 23.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 threes per game through his first round playoff series. He’s coming off a Game 2 showing where he posted 25 points, six rebounds, and two made threes on 45.5% shooting and 25.0% from deep.

Regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves injury report, (G) Rob Dillingham (Ankle) is out for the season.

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How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

• Date: 9:30 PM, Friday, April 25, 2025

• TV:  ESPN