Lakers vs Timberwolves NBA Pick: Will Los Angeles Bounce Back In Game 2? (Apr 22)

• The Los Angeles Lakers failed to rise to the occasion in the series opener.
• The Minnesota Timberwolves look to steal another road game.
• These teams last played on Apr. 19, with the Timberwolves claiming a convincing 19-point victory.

One of the games on Tuesday’s NBA slate features the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series. Which team comes out on top in our Lakers vs Timberwolves pick?

Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 1 Recap

Following a season in which they won the Pacific Division crown and claimed the third seed in the conference, the Lakers dropped Game 1 against the Timberwolves 117-95.

Luka Doncic did his part, scoring 37 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He shot 12-for-22 from the field and 5-for-10 from beyond the arc.

LeBron James added 19 points and five rebounds. Austin Reaves chipped in with 16 points, including three 3-pointers.

On the other side, Minnesota got solid contributions from multiple players. Jaden McDaniels led the way with 25 points and nine boards.

Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Naz Reid led the bench unit with a 23-point, five-rebound effort.

The Lakers held a seven-lead after the first 12 minutes of action, but everything went south after that. Minnesota responded with a 78-50 burst in the middle two quarters, and led by a comfortable 16-point advantage heading into the final frame.

The Timberwolves, who finished fifth in scoring defense during the regular season, held Los Angeles to 39.8 percent shooting from the floor. They outscored the Lakers in the paint 44-32, and enjoyed a 25-6 edge in fast break points.

Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 2 Pick: Who Has The Edge In Game 2 Of This First-Round Matchup?

After the Timberwolves landed the first punch in the series opener, here’s a look at a few notable trends for both sides heading into Game 2.

• The Lakers are 15-5 in their last 20 games at home.
• Los Angeles is 14-6 SU in its previous 20 contests as the favorite.
• The Timberwolves have won six of their last nine matchups against the Lakers.
• Minnesota is a perfect 6-0 in its previous six matchups against Western Conference opponents.

Make no mistake, the Lakers got punched in the mouth in Game 1. But now that they have a better understanding of what Minnesota brings to the table, look for this squad to respond in Game 2.