The Minnesota Timberwolves took back command of their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers in a big way on Friday, and now they’ll look to move a game away from clinching a spot in the second round.
After surviving an excellent shooting performance from L.A., my Lakers vs Timberwolves predictions will highlight why there are too many obstacles in the way for the visitors on Sunday.
Find out more in my NBA picks for April 27.
Who will win Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 4?
The Timberwolves took the Lakers’ best shot in Game 3. Even with a great shooting performance from Los Angeles, this series is now firmly in Minnesota's control.
While L.A. could easily find its range from outside once again, it’s due for some regression when it comes to defending the rim, and its brutal turnover differential on Friday isn't a fluke.
Minnesota will pick up another win and inch closer to the second round.
Lakers vs Timberwolves prediction
My best bet: Timberwolves moneyline (-160 at bet365)
The Los Angeles Lakers' offense shot 42.5% from deep on Friday, but it wasn’t enough as they turned the ball over 19 times and fumbled away the game in the final minutes.
We knew the Lakers wouldn’t shoot this poorly forever, especially considering they had been shooting well for months and the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled against the 3-pointer, but the 10 steals for the home side played a massive role in deciding this one.
Entering Sunday, the Timberwolves are now sitting pretty, having matched the Lakers on the glass last game and regained their level of dominance when it comes to scoring down low. This was a great team at the rim down the stretch, but in the first two games of this series, the Lakers had done a bang-up job against Minnesota’s wings and bigs — something that likely won’t continue considering their regular-season woes.
L.A. is now allowing 38.4% shooting from outside to rank among the worst teams in the playoffs, and it just lost a game where it held Minnesota to 36.1%.
The Lakers finished the season with the fifth-worst turnover rate in April. Facing big issues inside and an already sizable disadvantage in the rebounding department, it’s going to be very difficult to win in Minnesota.
Lakers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Timberwolves moneyline
Jaden McDaniels Over 5.5 rebounds
Austin Reaves Over 2.5 threes
Back Jaden McDaniels to corral six boards — something he did in Game 1 of this series and in both regular-season games where he played more than 20 minutes against the Lakers. L.A. stands to be at a sizable disadvantage on the glass given the season-long numbers, and McDaniels is one of the few players who isn’t carrying a super-inflated total in this market.
Austin Reaves led the team with 11 attempts in Game 3, and I’ll bet on him to hit this prop for the third time in this series. Although Reaves isn't exactly shooting the lights out, he did respond with a 5-for-11 performance on Friday, and Minnesota ranked around the middle of the league against the 3-pointer all season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Lakers vs Timberwolves odds
Lakers vs Timberwolves live odds
Lakers vs Timberwolves opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles +3 (-110) | Minnesota -3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +135 | Minnesota -160
- Over/Under: Over 209.5 (-110) | Under 209.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Lakers vs Timberwolves spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Timberwolves are just 28-36 against the spread as favorites.
- L.A. is 17-15-1 ATS this year following a loss.
- The Over cashed for the first time in this season series on Friday, and is now just 1-6 between the regular season and the playoffs.
- When Minnesota has played at home this season, the Over is 25-17.
Lakers vs Timberwolves trend
Los Angeles has hit the 2Q game total Over in 15 of its last 16 games (+13.80 Units / 75% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Lakers vs Timberwolves
| Location | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Sunday, April 27, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Lakers vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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