Timberwolves vs Lakers NBA Pick: Will Minnesota Bounce Back In Game 3? (Apr 25)

• Despite losing Game 2, the Minnesota Timberwolves still have home-court advantage.
• The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking their second straight win after dropping the opener.
• These teams last played on Apr. 22, with the Lakers claiming a 94-85 victory.

One of the games on Friday’s NBA slate features the Minnesota Timberwolves hosting the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series. Which squad seizes this pivotal contest in our Timberwolves vs Lakers pick?

Timberwolves-Lakers Game 2 Recap

Following a dominant performance in the series opener, the Timberwolves were defeated 94-85 in Game 2.

Julius Randle was one of only two players who reached double figures. He finished with 27 points, six assists, and four rebounds on 9-for-17 shooting from the floor.

Anthony Edwards chipped in with 25 points and six rebounds. The rest of the starters combined for 14 points on 5-for-21 shooting from the floor.

On the other side of the matchup, the Lakers’ offense featured a more balanced attack. Luka Doncic put up 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and handed out nine assists.

LeBron James finished with 21 points, 11 boards, and seven dimes. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Los Angeles raced out to a 34-15 lead after the opening stanza. While they scored just 60 points over the next three quarters, Minnesota didn’t get any closer than nine points the rest of the way.

Timberwolves vs Lakers Pick: Who Has The Edge In Game 3 Of This First-Round Matchup?

Considering these teams split the first two games, it’s a virtual toss-up as to which squad takes the next contest. With that in mind, let’s look at a few notable trends for both sides heading into Game 3.

• The Timberwolves are 9-2 straight-up (SU) in their last 11 games.
• Minnesota is 9-3 against the spread in its 12 previous outings against Western Conference opponents.
• The Lakers are an abysmal 2-14 in their last 16 matchups against the Timberwolves.
• Los Angeles is 4-8 against the spread in its previous 12 road games.

Not only have these teams split the first two games of this series, but they also split the four regular-season meetings.

The Lakers responded accordingly in Game 2, and we should expect Minnesota to follow suit in Game 3.