The Los Angeles Lakers is looking to continue their hot run as they lock horns with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the play-in. These two teams finished at the seventh and eighth in the Western Conference, giving them the qualification to the play-in. Lakers are seated at the seventh in the Western Conference with 43 wins from their 82 matches. They won against the Utah Jazz, in a score of 128-117 on their regular season-ender. Timberwolves on the other hand is at the eighth of the West with 42 wins. They are also coming from a 113-108 win against the Pelicans. This meeting will be on April 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM (GMT+8), with the Lakers playing as hosts.
Prior to this match, these two teams already met for three times in the season, with the visitors having two wins. Just like other play-in matches, either you win or you lose, you can still qualify for the playoffs. For this contest, the winners will meet the Grizzlies, who is at the second of the West in the playoffs. Moreover, the team who will lose still have a chance to secure a playoff spot. Losers will face the winners of the play-in match between the Thunder and the Pelicans. However, both teams are hoping for wins for an easier access to the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers were able to build a hot run before the regular season ends, winning nine of their last 11 games in the regular season. Due to this run, they were able to make one last push until they reached the seventh in the West. Now that they will play in the play-in tournament, they are aiming to continue this run in order to win this important match. During their last match against the Jazz, the Lakers dominated the first half. They led by six after the first, and by nine at the end of the half. During the second half, the lead of the Lakers dropped to just two points, not until the Lakers had a 11-2 run. Offensively, they are at the sixth with 117.2 points per game, and 20th in defense with 116.6 points per game.
Lebron James and Anthony Davis continue to lead the Lakers with 28.9 and 25.9 points per game each. However, these two stars, along with D’Angelo Russell are both questionable for this match. This is also the case for Tristan Thompson and Shaquille Harrison, who are also questionable.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are unfortunate coming into this match as their last match ended as a nightmare for them. Due to the fight they had with each other on their last match, two of their important players cannot play here. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels are both suspended in this game due to their altercation on their last match. Nonetheless, the Timberwolves can still be at their best, as their top two players are still in this match. Their win against the Pelicans in their last match is the seventh in their last 10 matches. During the first quarter, they are actually trailing by 12 points, and 14 in the third. Fortunately, they were able to climb back and eventually get that victory. They are at the 13th in offense with 115.8 points per game, and 18th in defense giving up 115.8 points per game as well.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns both lead the Timberwolves with 24.6 and 20.8 points per game. However, Towns is listed as questionable in this game due to his calf issue. Jaylen Nowell, and Naz Reid are both out due to their injuries. Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert, are both suspended in this important match.
Prediction:
Los Angeles Lakers
Total Under: 120.5
Odds: 0.81
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