Timberwolves vs Lakers Picks, Predictions & Odds for Game 1

• LeBron, Luka and the Lakers welcome Minnesota for Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series Saturday night.

• The teams split four regular-season meetings. The Lakers are around a four-point favorite entering Game 1.

• Showtime is back in LA and I have a look at the best odds, pick and prediction for Game 1 between the three and six seeds out West.

Teams separated by only a game in the regular season meet Saturday night when the Lakers (45-35-2 ATS) host the Timberwolves (39-42-1 ATS) in Game 1 of their first round series.

It will be the fourth playoff meeting between the two franchises (if you count Play-In Tournament games). The Lakers have won each time. The two teams have split their last 10 contests.

I’m locked in on this series, which has great storylines and players and will give you the best odds, prediction and pick for how things will shake out. I’m not afraid to be bold.

Timberwolves vs Lakers Prediction

With all the stars in this one, it feels more like a Western Conference Finals match-up. The Wolves had the big breakthrough last year, reaching the WCF, before getting bounced by Dallas. This season hasn’t been smooth. They traded away Karl-Anthony Towns, and it took a while for Julius Randle to fit in. Anthony Edwards has led the NBA in technical fouls and athleticism.

Minnesota, healthy and focused, was playing great basketball in the final month of the regular season, going 17-4.

Of course, the Lakers had their own drama. Dallas decided to do the NBA a favor and send over Doncic for Anthony Davis and some prospects. Thanks Dallas! LA has gone 19-13 with Doncic.

James, now 40, averaged 24.4 points this season with almost eight rebounds.

This series feels like a long one. Minnesota has the edge inside (LA doesn’t have a true center), but LA can match the playmaking of Edwards with the shot-making of Doncic. Who wants it more?

Timberwolves vs Lakers Pick

• Timberwolves +4.5 (-110 at Bet365)

• Over 216.5 (-110 at Bet365)

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Both teams have had a few days of rest. LeBron James is dealing with a groin injury still, but was listed as probable. Yeah, he’s going to play, probably about 42 minutes.

This series is fascinating because of what the Lakers have with two of the best players in NBA history rolling around. What I’ve seen from Edwards this season though, is he loves a challenge. Minnesota got a little fat-headed in the off-season, but when they want to bring it, they do. Minnesota also sees Doncic as the enemy after he (and Dallas) eliminated the Wolves in the WCF last year.

If Edwards can keep relatively cool (the techs are a problem), he can dominate the game, and I like the Wolves’ advantage inside when it comes to rebounding and blocked shots. I’m going against the grain tonight and picking Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards vs Luka Doncic Stats

These teams feature two elite NBA players in Edwards and Doncic, and here’s how they’ve performed when they meet head-to-head.

Timberwolves at Lakers Odds

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LA leads the all-time series 87-46. I’ve seen the spread at 4.5, but I’ve also have seen four points. You have to take the extra half-point when you can get it.

Yes, the two teams split four meetings, but at no point in any of the match-ups did the teams look like they do now. Doncic only played in one of the games, but Randle was out for that one.

LA is a much better team at home, 31-10 at Crypto.com Arena. Minnesota went 24-17 on the road.

Each of the last four meetings has hit the under, but I think I like the over tonight.

The best moneyline bet on the Lakers is -185 at DraftKings.