History is about to be made in this first western conference matchup
The Lakers will host the Timberwolves for the second NBA tip-off game of the night at 7 PM PT.
The Timberwolves are entering the 2024-25 NBA season with a great ambition after reaching the Western Conference Final last year. Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded to the Knicks this off-season and Julius Randle came in.
On the other side, History can be made tonight. For the first time in NBA history a father and his son could play together on the same court with the same jersey. LeBron James and Bronny James are eagerly awaited by the crowd tonight.
For this first matchup of the season, the Timberwolves are slightly favored with 53.3% chances of winning this contest according to ESPN Analytics.
Provided by ESPN Bet
Also Read: Celtics vs. Knicks: Betting Odds, Prediction, and Picks
The Timberwolves enter this game as slight favorites, and the total points line of 218.5 sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring game.
Last season, the Lakers’ games averaged a combined total of 232.4 points, while Timberwolves’ matchups averaged 221 points, both well above this game’s total.
Given these trends, the over is a tempting bet, particularly with both teams fielding strong offensive lineups.
Key Betting Trends
Player’s Prop
Rather than focusing on star players, i’ll rather go on Rudy Gobert and Austin Reaves.
Known for his defensive presence in the paint, Rudy Gobert will probably have a huge workload tonight with his matchup against Anthony Davis. If we look at this block prop, it is set at 1.5 for this game. Against the Lakers, since 2022, he averages 1.9 blocks per game and got over his line 67% of the time.
For Austin Reaves, you should look at his 3PTM prop line, set at 1.5 for this game. On his last 10 games, he averages 1.9 3PTM per game and got over 60% of the time.
Tonight he might take advantage of some spacing offered by LeBron’s penetration in the paint or Russell ability to pass.
Best bet for Timberwolves vs Lakers
Betting on the Timberwolves tonight might be the safer bet for this game. Even though there were some changes on the team, the Wolves are still a serious pretender for the NBA title this season.
Anthony Edwards will be even more the 1st scoring option this year and his progression for two season has been incredible. There are many expectations on him for this season and his capacity to lead this team even more.
Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB.
Read moreIf there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.
Get the biggest stories delivered straight to you - for free!
By signing up, you consent to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, nad to receive marketing and account-related emails from The Playoffs. You can subscribe at any time.
For over 10 years, The Playoffs has been a go-to source for sports and sports betting enthusiasts.
Our mission: To help bettors make the best choices with in-depth analysis, reliable data, and passionate expertise.
Our motto: Share our passion for sports and betting. At The Playoffs, we live and breathe sports. Every day, our editorial teams work to deliver the most accurate and relevant information so you can place bets with confidence—and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Gambling can be fun and exciting, but it’s essential to keep it responsible. Set limits on your time and spending, never chase your losses, and understand that betting is a form of entertainment—not a way to earn money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or starts affecting your life negatively, don’t hesitate to seek support or take advantage of self-exclusion tools provided by betting platforms. Remember, responsible betting is the key to a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 - THE PLAYOFFS - SHARE THE PASSION FOR SPORTS AND BETTING