Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Predictions April 25th 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers April 25th 2025

At 9:30 ET, the Timberwolves (-151) will host the Lakers (+128) in a Western Conference matchup. Minnesota is favored by 3 points, and the over/under line is set at 205.5.

This game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Lakers (50-32) are currently 3rd in the West, while the Timberwolves (49-33) are 6th.

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Lakers vs. Timberwolves Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves
• Where: Minneapolis at Target Center
• Date: Friday, April 25th
• Betting Odds MIN -3, LAL +128 | MIN -151 O/U 205.5

The Lakers Can Win If…

The Lakers improved to 50-32 on the season with a 94-85 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Playing at home, Los Angeles was favored by 5.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total score of 179 points fell well short of the 211.5-point line.

Los Angeles jumped out to a 34-15 lead after the 1st quarter. Minnesota outscored the Lakers 28-24 in the 2nd quarter, but the Lakers held a 58-43 lead at halftime. Los Angeles edged the Timberwolves 23-22 in the 3rd quarter, and despite being outscored 20-13 in the 4th, they held on for the win.

In their win over the Timberwolves, the Lakers managed just 94 points, with Luka Dončić leading the way, scoring 31 points, 16 of which came in the 1st quarter. He also added 12 rebounds and 9 assists, shooting 45% from the field, though he struggled from three, hitting just 25%.

As a team, the Lakers made only 6 threes, shooting 20.7% from deep. LeBron James contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 16 points, shooting 50% from the field.

The Lakers’ defense shined in their 94-85 win over the Timberwolves, holding them to just 85 points. They started strong, allowing only 15 points in the 1st quarter, and kept Minnesota in check with 22 points in the 3rd and 20 in the 4th. Overall, the Timberwolves shot just 38% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Lakers limited the Timberwolves to 5 made threes on 20% shooting. They also grabbed 32 defensive rebounds while allowing 9 offensive boards. Defensively, the Lakers added 4 steals and 6 blocks.

• Through their last three road games, Los Angeles has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 104 points per game.
• As the betting underdog, the Lakers have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. Los Angeles posted a straight up mark of 4-6 in these matchups.
• Over their last three games, the Lakers have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

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The Timberwolves Can Win If…

The Timberwolves fell to 49-33 on the season after a 94-85 road loss to the Lakers on Tuesday. Minnesota, who entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 179 points was well below the 211.5-point line.

After falling behind 34-15 in the 1st quarter, the Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 28-24 in the 2nd and 20-13 in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough to overcome an 81-65 deficit heading into the final period.

The Timberwolves struggled offensively in their 94-85 loss to the Lakers, shooting just 38% from the field and hitting only 5 threes at a 20% clip. Julius Randle led the way with 27 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, connecting on 50% of his threes, while Anthony Edwards added 25 points and 6 boards, despite shooting just 25% from deep.

Naz Reid was the only other player in double figures, finishing with 9 points. Randle scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter, while Edwards put up 11 in the 3rd, but managed just 2 points in the final period.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Timberwolves fell to the Lakers, allowing 94 points. After a rough 1st quarter where they gave up 34 points, Minnesota tightened up, allowing just 24 in the 2nd, 23 in the 3rd, and only 13 in the 4th.

The Timberwolves did a great job defending the three, holding the Lakers to 20% shooting and just 6 made threes. They also recorded 6 steals and 2 blocks in the game.

• Across their five previous home games, Minnesota has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2 while averaging 112 points per game.
• Although the Timberwolves have a strong straight up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 2-3.
• In their last five games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Lakers come in as the underdog at +3, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 205.5 and our model has the Lakers and Timberwolves finishing with a combined 258 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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Regardless of Style, Lakers and Timberwolves Know Game 3 Is Critical

With the series tied 1-1, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves both understand the significance of Game 3. Whether it turns into a defensive slugfest or a high-paced shootout, Friday night’s clash in Minneapolis is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in this Western Conference quarterfinal.

Every Game Is a New Battle

Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized that playoff basketball rarely follows a predictable script. One night might be a grind-it-out defensive affair, while the next could turn into a scoring spree.

“Every game is a little different. But I think the mentality from both teams is to have a rock fight,” Redick said.

The Lakers rebounded from a Game 1 loss to notch a 94-85 victory in Game 2, holding Minnesota to its lowest point total of the season. Yet both teams are aware that the momentum can shift quickly, depending on shooting rhythms and transition opportunities.

Stars Leading the Way

Luka Doncic has been carrying the offensive load for the Lakers, averaging 34 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and nearly 39 percent from three-point range. LeBron James is contributing 20 points per contest, while Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are providing key secondary scoring.

On the Timberwolves’ side, Anthony Edwards leads with 23.5 points per game, supported by strong contributions from Julius Randle (21.5 ppg), Jaden McDaniels (16.5 ppg), and Naz Reid (16.0 ppg).

Minnesota will need a big night from its stars to reclaim control of the series on their home floor. If you’re following NBA playoff picks, both teams’ recent performances hint at a tight, gritty Game 3. Get expert breakdowns and updated NBA picks to stay sharp on this high-stakes series.

Adjustments and Focus Are Key

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch used a film session to refocus his team after the Game 2 loss. He emphasized starting strong and making their home court advantage count.

“All we’ve done is earn the right to be able to be great at home,” Finch said. “We’ve got to come out with a big start (on Friday). It should be a lot of fun and get the series back in our advantage.”

Veteran guard Mike Conley echoed the need for sharper execution.

“Doing the easy thing can sometimes be the hard thing for us,” Conley said. “We just need to continue to do the easy reads, continue to make the quick decisions and (emphasize) communicating on defense.”

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For the Lakers, James stressed that while their defense has been strong, their offensive efficiency still needs improvement.

“We could still be better offensively,” James said. “We’re going to continue to get better, continue to watch the film, see ways we can break down the defense and continue to get good looks.”

Both teams know that the winner of Game 3 will seize a major advantage heading into the back half of the series.

Game 3: A True Tone-Setter

With the series shifting to Minneapolis, expect a raucous crowd and elevated intensity. The stakes are high, and for both the Lakers and Timberwolves, Friday night’s performance could set the tone for the rest of this fiercely contested battle.