Lakers vs. Timberwolves Preview: LeBron James and Co. Eye Comeback As Lakers Go off Track in the Series

Crypto.com Arena will host one of the crucial matchups of the NBA playoffs on Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers will look to make a breakthrough against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a do-or-die Game 5. With a 3-1 deficit in the series, Luka Doncic and Co. are one defeat away to first-round exit in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Lakers Preview

Who would have thought that the Los Angeles Lakers would be on the verge of elimination in Game 5 of the first-round series against the sixth-seed Timberwolves? Lakers are down 3-1 in the series and enter the home area with a mindset of upsetting all the odds.

Also Read: LeBron James Disgusted: “The Hand Is Part of the Ball, That’s What They Say”

JJ Redick’s poor strategy in the second half cost them a game, as the Lakers didn’t make a single substitution in the game. Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 32-19 in the final quarter, where LeBron went scoreless. Luka Doncic, who stated that it’s first to four wins in post-game, will have to deliver in crucial Game 5.

Minnesota Timberwolves Preview

In the last three seasons, the Timberwolves failed to crack the first round twice, but are on the verge of reaching the conference semifinals for the second straight season. Anthony Edwards and Co. have never beaten the Lakers in a playoff series, but this year, records are meant to be broken.

Anthony Edwards is getting full support from Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels this postseason. Their bench has ensured the starters don’t get fatigued in the crucial phase of the game. The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers in each fourth quarter in this series, and the scoring margin in this period is 105-69. 

Lakers vs. Timberwolves Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers

• Maxi Kleber- Questionable (Right Foot Surgery Recovery) 

Minnesota Timberwolves

• Rob Dillingham- Out (Right Ankle Sprain)

Also Read: “It’s first to four wins” – ‘Optimistic’ Luka Doncic Backs Lakers to Win the Playoff Series against Wolves After Going 3-1 Down

Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Head to Head

The Lakers and the Timberwolves have played 16 games in the NBA playoffs, with 9 wins for the Lakers and 7 for the Timberwolves. They have come across in the 2 playoff series, and the Lakers won both (2003 and 2004). Los Angeles is 6-2 against Minnesota in playoff matchups at Crypto.com Arena.

Image Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images