USA - NBA
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Paul Tamayo | in NBA Picks
The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 1 of their 2025 first-round playoff matchup on April 19, Saturday, at the Crypto.com Arena.
It's the NBA playoffs, and there's no better way to start the festivities in Los Angeles. The Wolves and the Lakers split their regular season series. Their most recent matchup ended in a Lakers' 111-102 victory last February 27.
The Lakers enter the postseason ranking 12th in offensive rating (115.9) and 15th in defensive rating (114.7). Rui Hachimura and Maxi Kleber are the only names listed on the team's injury report, with Hachimura looking ready to go for Game 1 against the Wolves. If Hachimura returns, the Lakers are getting back their fourth-best scorer (13.1 points on 41.3% three-point shooting).
The Wolves aren't pushovers, either. They finished the regular season 8th in offensive rating (116.6) and 6th in defensive rating (111.5).
Moreover, they won eight of their last nine games, riding a good wave of momentum before the Lakers matchup. During that impressive span, the Wolves increased their offensive rating to an efficient 124.8. The Wolves also don't have anyone on their injury report, which bodes well for their postseason push.
Limited Offer. Currently at BetMGM
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Form
Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers Latest Matches

5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Apr 13, 2025 - NBA
Apr 11, 2025 - NBA
Apr 10, 2025 - NBA
Apr 8, 2025 - NBA
Apr 5, 2025 - NBA
Apr 3, 2025 - NBA
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Apr 13, 2025 - NBA
Apr 11, 2025 - NBA
Mar 30, 2025 - NBA
Mar 28, 2025 - NBA
Mar 21, 2025 - NBA
Mar 19, 2025 - NBA
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Apr 10, 2025 - NBA
Apr 8, 2025 - NBA
Apr 5, 2025 - NBA
Apr 3, 2025 - NBA
Apr 1, 2025 - NBA
Mar 24, 2025 - NBA

4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Apr 13, 2025 - NBA
Apr 11, 2025 - NBA
Apr 9, 2025 - NBA
Apr 8, 2025 - NBA
Apr 6, 2025 - NBA
Apr 4, 2025 - NBA
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Apr 11, 2025 - NBA
Apr 4, 2025 - NBA
Apr 3, 2025 - NBA
Mar 31, 2025 - NBA
Mar 22, 2025 - NBA
Mar 20, 2025 - NBA
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Apr 13, 2025 - NBA
Apr 9, 2025 - NBA
Apr 8, 2025 - NBA
Apr 6, 2025 - NBA
Mar 29, 2025 - NBA
Mar 27, 2025 - NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves against Los Angeles Lakers : Head to Head (H2H)
50 %
50 %
Feb 27, 2025 - NBA
Dec 13, 2024 - NBA
Dec 2, 2024 - NBA
Oct 22, 2024 - NBA
Apr 7, 2024 - NBA
Mar 10, 2024 - NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves - Los Angeles Lakers Key Points
- The Timberwolves have won eight of their last nine games.
- The Timberwolves have a better offensive rating and defensive rating than the Lakers.
- In the last nine games, the Timberwolves improved their offensive rating from 116.6 to 124.8.
- In the last nine games, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards averaged 29.4 points on 63.8% True Shooting.
Limited Offer. Currently at BetMGM
Our Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
This is such a close game to call between the Wolves and the Lakers. They split their regular season series and they don't have significant injuries to report heading into the playoffs. If anything, the Wolves are riding a better momentum and statistically, the better team in terms of offensive and defensive efficiency.
This is looking like a matchup for the ages and we could see close games between these two Western Conference contenders. Our prediction for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves match is: Timberwolves (+4.5) cover the spread.Don't miss out on a your rewards for the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers matchup.
Looking to bet on Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers? For this NBA matchup, BetMGM is offering rewards for every dollar you spend on match wagers. Win or lose, your wager goes further with BetMGM rewards.
Signing up for BetMGM couldn't be easier, click here to get started today!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.

Limited Offer. Currently at BetMGM