Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 2– 04/22/2025

On Tuesday, 04/22, the Los Angeles Lakers (50-32) will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Timberwolves demolished the Los Angeles Lakers by 22 points(117-95) in Game 1 to upset the odds. Can the loaded but inconsistent Lakers recover from their Game 1 debacle? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Time: 7:00 PM (PT)
Venue: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass, ABC & YouTube.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Match Preview

The Lakers got a wake-up call

Game 1 was the true reflection of the Lakers’ common concerns. Disjointed defense, poor effort, and a lack of hustle to make a comeback. One night, the team looks like a title contender, and some other night, they look like a play-in team. Unfortunately, the latter part showed up in Game 1.

The team wasted an incredible 37-point outburst by Luka Doncic, who nailed five triples, including a half-court buzzer-beater. After acquiring a seven-point lead, the Lakers looked great in the first quarter. But the Timberwolves’ bench proved why they are deeper than the Lakers’ reserves.

The Lakers’ bench produced merely 8 points, whereas the Timberwolves’ bench stacked up 43(23 by Naz Reid). It helped the Timberwolves acquire a 38-20 second-quarter advantage, which they refused to concede for the rest of the game. But perhaps the biggest difference was Jaden McDaniels.

The Wolves forward produced a team-high 25 points on an unbelievable 11/13 shooting. The frontcourt of Rui Hachimura and LeBron James looked helpless against him and Reid, who nailed a game-high 6 triples. Defensive stoppers Dorian Finney-Smith and Jared Vanderbilt barely made any difference.

The Timberwolves will be proud of this win because their ace, Anthony Edwards, only scored 22 points on a poor 8/22 shooting. As for the Lakers, their perimeter defense needs to tighten as the team allowed a mind-boggling 21 triples in Game 1.

Lakers Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Luka Doncic | SG: Austin Reaves | SF: LeBron James | PF: Rui Hachimura | C: Jaxson Hayes

Key bench players: PG: Gabe Vincent, PF: Dorian Finney-Smith, PF: Jarred Vanderbilt.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report.

Timberwolves Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Mike Conley | SG: Anthony Edwards | SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert

Key bench players: SG: Donte DiVincenzo, SG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, C: Naz Reid

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Total Over/Under Prediction

The first game produced just 212 points, a tad below expectations. It is a testament to the Timberwolves’ defense, which has now contained LA to 95 or fewer points in three of the five contests this season(Including 4 regular-season matches).

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ defense needs a lot of soul-searching, but it does have the potential to restrict the Wolves under 105. But I believe both teams will at least touch the 106-point mark here.

Total: Over 214.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Timberwolves: Points Over 105.5 for +118 at BetMGM

Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Anthony Edwards to score over 25.5 points: Edwards struggled in Game 1 and scored 5 points below his season average. However, I expect him to recover here and post a 25+ points outing.

Luka Doncic to be held under 30.5 points: Doncic has been the Timberwolves’ kryptonite since the last playoffs and has averaged 33.2 PPG in the six games against them. But I believe he will be held in the 25-29 range here.

Austin Reaves to dish over 4.5 assists: Reaves had a night to forget against the Timberwolves, especially in the first half. He ended up with 3 assists, 2 less than his regular-season average against the team. But I believe he will hit his regular average here.

Main pick: Anthony Edwards O 25.5 points for -125 at BetMGM

Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Match Prediction

The Lakers again cast doubts about their title chances this season in Game 1. It was reminiscent of how they have performed in the postseason against deep teams lately. They need to switch it on during Game 2 or acquiring a home-court advantage will be meaningless.

Meanwhile, the Wolves showed their frontcourt depth over the Lakers. However, this Lakers team has shown its ability to bounce back from bad nights and can play a quality two-way game. I have picked them to win Game 2, but my confidence regarding them has surely taken a heavy hit.

But I am confident that this game will be much closer than the last one. Like Game 1, I’ll stick by Minnesota to cover the spread of around 5 points at least.

Safe Spread Pick: Timberwolves +5.5 for -105 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!