Timberwolves vs. Lakers Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Opening Night, 10/22
The sportsbooks are stating they really don’t know who is going to win this game as both teams have had positive odds. The sportsbooks are also split on -1/+1 and you can find both spreads for both teams depending on the book.
Simply put, this game and our Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions is a true toss-up between two 2023-24 Western Conference playoff teams.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Predictions For NBA Opening Night, Tuesday, 10/22
The Timberwolves went to the Western Conference Finals and took down the defending champions in a seven game thriller to get there. They were in first place in the conference for most of the season too.
Once Karl Anthony-Towns was injured it became a three-team race for first of the Northwest Division which in turn was first place for the Western Conference.
Minnesota Timberwolves: How Will The New Squad Look?
Apparently, the Timberwolves front office felt like they would not be able to get to the NBA Finals with the roster they had assembled, or perhaps they were being honest when they stated they wanted out from Anthony-Towns massive contract, and still be able to optimize Anthony Edwards championship window.
Either way they enter their first game of the season with Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and hopefully Julius Randle. They also have great depth pieces in Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid. A scary good 7 person rotation that is capable of beating most teams when they are playing well.
Edwards should shine as the top scorer for the Timberwolves against the Lakers, but the scoring from the other starters is a bit of a question. However, Reid and DiVincenzo are scorers coming off the bench and could present a problem for the Lakers lack of a second unit.
Los Angeles: Operating Under New Leadership
Los Angeles looks to grow under JJ Reddick with essentially the same roster. The 2023 inaugural NBA Cup winners do have a solid roster, and feel they compete well with any team in the Western Conference not named the Denver Nuggets.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura round out a balanced and big starting five. The Lakers have Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht for offense off of the bench, but Knecht is a rookie. Those seven should be able to score against a good defense with great passing and finding the open man.
The best bet of our Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions is Anthony Davis over 12.5 rebounds at +100.
Davis played the most games in a season since 2017-18, and embraced being a center. He is one of the best rebounders in the league and healthy to begin the 2024 season. He happens to be playing against one of the best defensive rebounders in the league though.
Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves is an all-time defensive player, and a tough big for other bigs. He is an excellent defensive rebounder, and not a perimeter big man. That is to say he gets offensive rebounds at a higher rate due to being close to the rim.
Davis is an elite champion, a member of the NBA Diamond Team (75th top players at the 75th year). He had 13 or more rebounds in five of his last seven regular season games, and should earn 13 rebounds tonight… and most nights. Even against Gobert expect a healthy Davis to cover the over on the rebounding prop; it is opening night, there will be several missed shots due to tired legs, and Davis has elite rebounding skills.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Minnesota is favored by a point and a half on most platforms for Timberwolves vs. Lakers odds. Expect a close match, and live betting on the spread for Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions could be the way to go with the sportsbooks essentially only raking minimal juice.
The Lakers lost last year’s opening game and want to avoid that feeling this year. I expect them to win, but the odds could be better during the game.
- Timberwolves vs. Lakers Money Line: Los Angeles (+100 at BetMGM Sportsbook)
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Minnesota Injuries:
- None
Minnesota Starters:
Los Angeles Injuries:
- Jared Vanderbilt
Los Angeles Starters:
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