Lakers vs Timberwolves NBA Pick: Can The Lakers Stave Off Elimination? (Apr 30)

• The Los Angeles Lakers, who won the Pacific Division crown and captured the No. 3 seed, are loss away from being bounced out of the postseason.
• Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be the superior team, despite an up-and-down regular season.
• These squads last played on Apr. 28, with the Timberwolves claiming a three-point victory.

One of the games on Wednesday’s NBA slate features the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series. Does LA have enough in the tank to extend the series in our Lakers vs Timberwolves pick?

Lakers-Timberwolves Game 4 Recap

After notching a win in Game 2, the Lakers have dropped back-to-back games and find themselves facing a 1-3 deficit following a 116-113 loss in Game 4.

Luka Doncic was the top scorer for the Lakers. He finished with 38 points on 13-of-28 shooting from the field and 5-for-12 from long range.

LeBron James added 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. The four-time MVP attempted just nine shots (hitting five of them) while converting 15 of his 18 attempts at the charity stripe.

On the other side of the matchup, Los Angeles had no answer for Anthony Edwards. He led the way with 43 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, connecting on 12 of his 23 attempts. Edwards also shot 50 percent from 3-point range.

Julius Randle finished with 25 points and seven rebounds. Jaden McDaniels contributed 16 points, 11 boards, and three assists.

The Lakers led 94-84 heading into the final frame. But for the second straight game, the home team controlled the game down the stretch.

Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 32-19 in the game’s final 12 minutes. Additionally, the Timberwolves have outscored the Lakers in the fourth quarter of every game by a 105-69 margin.

Lakers vs Timberwolves Pick: Who Comes Out On Top In Game 5 Of This First-Round Matchup?

Can Los Angeles force a Game 6, or will Minnesota move on to the conference semifinals in the next matchup? Here’s a look at a few betting trends for both sides heading into Game 5.

• The Lakers are 13-4 straight-up (SU) in their last 17 home games.
• Los Angeles is 14-6 against the spread in its previous 20 outings against Western Conference opponents.
• The Timberwolves are 13-2 in their last 15 April contests.
• Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its previous seven matchups against the Lakers.

Despite back-to-back road losses, the Lakers are favored to win by six points, according to BetOnline. With their season on the brink, the Lakers will play with urgency and desperation. As long as they can execute down the stretch, they should be able to extend the series at least one more game.