The Los Angeles Lakers (34-30) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (44-20) for a late Sunday game. Los Angeles has looked improved. Despite having some red stretches during the season, this is a team that continues to have playoff aspirations. And although they would need to battle through the Play-In tournament at this moment, some have them favored to make the finals. However, they need a first take of business and the remainder of the regular season games.
This is a team that would ideally rest its top two players for at least portions of the game. While at full health and full strength, this is a great team, and requiring their aging stars to play nearly 40 minutes a night for the remainder of the games would be an issue. Conversely, the Timberwolves have run into some bad injuries after looking like one of the more dominant teams in the league. And while they wait for an important piece to get back, it remains to be seen if the remaining cast can hold on until he is able to return.
But do you see the Timberwolves pulling off a win tonight against the Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles |
-3
-112 |
O 222
-110 |
-162 |
| Minnesota |
+3
-108 |
U 222
-110 |
+136 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Details
- Fixture: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Lakers
- Date and Time: March 10, 2024 @ 9:30 pm EST
- Location: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Los Angeles Lakers | Vs. | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 35-30 | Record | 44-20 |
| 117.2 | Points Per Game | 113.2 |
| 49.8 | FG% | 48.5 |
| 37.6 | 3PT% | 38.6 |
| 42.4 | Rebounds Per Game | 44.2 |
| 117.7 | Points Allowed Per Game | 106.6 |
| 47.5 | Defensive FG% | 44.6 |
| 37.6 | Defensive 3PT% | 34.9 |
| 80.2 | Defensive FT% | 78.3 |
| 44.4 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 40.9 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 2-3 |
| 113.1 | Team Pace | 112.6 |
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers
The team that is winning more often is just looking better. Notably, they last beat the Milwaukee Bucks at home in a close game. Moreover, it was D’Angelo Russell who scored 44 points for the Los Angeles Lakers. And while it’s unlikely that he’ll go 9 of 12 again from three-point range tonight, this should serve as a confidence booster. Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie had five points, and he doesn’t score much, but in the starting role, he played 34 minutes and came up with the key block. It would be interesting to see if he can get himself going after that big play on Damian Lillard.
However, Anthony Davis provided 22 points for the team. Meanwhile, LeBron James is dealing with his ankle injury, but he should be good to go tonight. Furthermore, if this Lakers team can buckle up on defense a little bit and allow fewer than their average of 117.7 points, then they should be in good shape to pick up another victory at home tonight.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is going to struggle without Karl-Anthony Towns for a while. Although they still have two strong players with concerns, Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards may see limited action. Edwards is questionable with an injury. Therefore, it remains important that Rudy Gobert is able to go, as he is dealing with an injury as well. But if both of those players can’t go, then this could be a quick game for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, this team has good players on the roster outside of the two other known stars. 
But what is already something of an uphill battle would be incredibly steep without either one of the remaining available star players for the Timberwolves. They are coming off a loss in overtime at the Cleveland Cavaliers. And in that game, Naz Reid scored 34 points. Look for him to have another night of increased production, especially if the other two key players are unable to go tonight.
Game Prediction
This game should play out with the home team getting an easy win. Although the Los Angeles Lakers can drop games tonight, they are likely going to be closer to a 10-point victory than not. Even if one of the Timberwolves goes for a surprise big night, it’s doubtful that the rest of this team will be able to keep pace. Especially with the injury concerns to Edwards and Gobert, it’s doubtful that Minnesota can keep scoring enough as they are likely to give up too many easier baskets at the other end.
Therefore, I am betting against the spread and picking this Los Angeles team. Furthermore, I see the under hitting. While defense could be lacking in this game from the Lakers, that doesn’t concern me. The overall inability of Minnesota to score leads me to think that this will be a game that stays in the 100s and possibly in the upper 90s for the visitors. Although the Los Angeles Lakers can score, their defensive attention should be enough to keep the over from hitting.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Lakers -3 and Under 222
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily.
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