Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 3– 04/25/2025

On Friday, 04/25, the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1) will host the Los Angeles Lakers (1-1) in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Lakers responded with a 9-point win (94-85) in Game 2 after taking a Timberwolves suckerpunch in Game 1. Will the Timberwolves deal them another heavy blow as the series turned to the Wolves’ home floor? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers

Time: 8:30 PM (CT)
Venue: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass, ABC & YouTube.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Match Preview

Timberwolves unable to solve the Luka Doncic conundrum

Luka Doncic continues to pick apart the Minnesota Timberwolves. He erupted for 31 points after a 37-point masterpiece in Game 1. The Lakers’ defense supported their superstar amply. The team shut down the Wolves to merely 15 points in the first quarter to pinch a decisive 19-point lead. The Timbewolves cut it down to 15 before the half ended, but they had dug too deep a hole.

The Wolves had a 14-point deficit entering the fourth but couldn’t close the book on LA despite restricting them to just 13 points in the final quarter. Overall, the team shot a horrendous 38% from the field. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for 52 points, but no other player even hit double-digits. Naz Reid was limited due to foul trouble while Jaden McDaniels followed a 25-point night with a 3/11 effort.

Austin Reaves and LeBron James combined for 37 points but shot 1/11 from the three-point range. It was that kind of night as both teams combined for an 11/54 night from long range. Overall, the Timberwolves saw the fiery side of the Lakers and will have to make adjustments accordingly.

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.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Total Over/Under Prediction

The first game produced 212 points while the second game was a slugfest with 179 points. The NBA Playoffs are at their best as the defensive end has taken the center stage.

Teams are struggling to even hit the 100-point mark, and many of them are unwilling to settle for deep-range shots as much as they did in the Regular Season. There is a high chance we will see another low-scorer here.

Total: Under 206.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Lakers: Points Under 102.5 for -120 at BetMGM

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

Anthony Edwards to score over 26.5 points: Edwards put up 25 points in Game 2, a three-point addition to this Game 1 tally. Thus, he is yet to achieve his season average of 27.6 PPG. I expect him to reach that number here.

Naz Reid to score over 15.5 points: The sharpshooting center was limited to 9 points in Game 2 compared to 23 in the first game of the series. I see him bouncing back with a 15+ points performance.

Luka Doncic to score under 30.5 points: It’s difficult to imagine Doncic being held under 30 by the team that has allowed him to dominate since the last playoffs. But I do see a special defensive performance against him.

Main pick: Anthony Edwards O 26.5 points for -120 at BetMGM

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Match Prediction

The Lakers went back to their winning ways in Game 2. Like I have said repeatedly, one night they look like champions, the other night, a play-in team. This inconsistency has opened the floodgates for the Timberwolves.

Despite the Game 2 loss, they will be buoyed that they stole one away from home. I see a much closer battle here after two lop-sided results. I’ll back Minnesota to get the job done on their home floor.

Safe Spread Pick: Timberwolves -3.5 for -105 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-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!