Lakers vs Timberwolves Game Analysis
You could look at this series as the No. 3 seed Lakers vs. the No. 6 seed Timberwolves, but in reality, it’s two teams with only one win difference in the regular season. The Lakers had 50 wins, while the Timberwolves had 49.
Los Angeles won six of the last ten games of the season, which was on par with its winning percentage of .610. The Timberwolves were close behind with a .598 winning percentage, but they had eight wins in their last ten games. That’s a booming trend they hope to bring into the playoffs.
This series now moves to Minnesota for the next two games. During the regular season, the home team won in each of their four meetings, but that trend has already vanished, with each team getting one win in LA. Also, the Lakers were 31-10 at home and only 19-22 on the road. That could be a problem.
Los Angeles Lakers Recent Scores
The Lakers were embarrassed by the Timberwolves in Game 1, losing 117-95 in LA. However, they regained their composure in Game 2 by improving their defense and won 94-85. Their offense had almost the same result, but they slashed Minnesota’s scoring by 27%.
What happened? In Game 1, they had extra bodies covering Anthony Edwards, which restricted his play but left his teammates open for passes and playmaking. They made 21 of 42 3-pointers. In Game 2, they didn’t focus on Edwards and were able to hold the Wolves to their lowest scoring game all season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Recent Scores
The Timberwolves stayed ahead of the Warriors and Grizzlies in the standings by winning eight of their last ten games of the regular season to reach the No. 6 seed. They would have been No. 5 if the Clippers didn’t gain even more traction with an eight-game winning streak to end the season.
In those last ten games, they averaged 118.6 points per game, beating everyone but the Pacers and the Bucks.
Where’s James? Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction
LeBron James has been held to just 19 points in both games against Minnesota. He’s only been held below 20 points in a playoff game five other times, and some of those were blowouts he didn’t need to contribute to. Is it possible he is still feeling the effects of his groin injury in early March? Minnesota’s top-five defense has been successful against James, but it still needs work against Luka Dončić.
The focus of the first two games was the 3-pointers, and that might continue in the series. The Wolves have a deeper bench, but the Lakers have star power that can surge at any time. James hasn’t shown up yet.
Everyone agrees it will be close, and most think the Wolves will take Game 3 at home. I’m skeptical. I think the Lakers will surprise with a 105-101 victory. Remember to join us at PayPerHead never to miss any NBA news in these playoffs.
