Los Angeles Lakers (16-15) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-7)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 12/30/23 – As one of the premier NBA handicapping services, an event like Saturday’s meeting between Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves provides invaluable insights and predictions. Boasting two formidable teams with star talent – solid Lakers against high-flying Timberwolves -, this Target Center game promises to be captivating display of basketball prowess for handicapping top services to analyze.
The Lakers have demonstrated an impressive blend of experienced tenacity and raw talent throughout this season. Averaging 114.1 points per game on 48.5% field goal shooting percentage speaks to their offensive capabilities; their 3-point shooting average stands at 35.6% with 10.9 successful 3-point shots made per game; yet their defensive play, as evidenced by 44 rebounds per game and 7.5 steals per game, needs to improve significantly to be competitive against teams like Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota employs a more even approach. Scoring 113.3 points per game and matching the Lakers in terms of field goal percentage (48.5%) but surpassing them when it comes to three-point accuracy with 37.9%, their defensive game boasts 44.6 rebounds per game and boasts a marginally higher block rate – these stats could prove instrumental in this matchup.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 12/30/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Target Center |
| TV: | BSN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anthony Davis (PF) vs. Anthony Edwards (SG)
Anthony Davis has put together an outstanding individual season for the Lakers, averaging 25.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and a career-high 7.3 assists. He continues to impact games on both ends with his versatile inside-outside scoring ability and rim protection. However, Davis is prone to slow starts and his supporting cast has struggled recently. He will need to dominate from the opening tip to give LA a chance.
Anthony Edwards made his first All-Star team last season and has taken another leap in year 3, pouring in over 25 points per game on 48/38/80 shooting splits. His combination of athleticism, shooting and shot creation ability makes him nearly impossible to slow down. Edwards excels at getting to the rim and drawing fouls but can also hit contested shots from all over the floor. He should be able to exploit the Lakers’ porous defense.
Davis and Edwards are two of the most gifted scorers in the NBA. Whichever player gets into more of an offensive rhythm could ultimately decide this matchup. However, Edwards has much more help around him right now.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Currently, the betting odds for the game are yet to be determined, which makes it a tricky but exciting prospect for bettors and fans alike.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers are just 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 contests and have gone OVER the total in 4 of those games. Los Angeles has struggled defensively all season, ranking 21st in opponent points per game and 24th in defensive rating. Slow starts have also plagued the Lakers recently, as they’ve trailed by double-digits in the 1st half in their last 3 losses.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
The Timberwolves have covered in just 2 of their last 5 but still own the NBA’s 5th best ATS record overall at 18-11. They also lead the league with a 14-3 home record while averaging a full 6 more points per game in Minneapolis. The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 overall as Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to shine offensively.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 12/30/23 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and trends, this game is shaping up to be a close contest. The Timberwolves, with their home-court advantage and slightly better recent form, seem to have a slight edge. However, the Lakers’ offensive firepower cannot be underestimated, especially with Davis at the helm.
In terms of betting, the safer pick might be the Timberwolves, considering their home record and the Lakers’ struggles on the road. For prop bets, looking at over/under options could be lucrative, given both teams’ tendencies to rack up high scores. Remember, these basketball tips today are based on current stats and trends, and the dynamic nature of the NBA always holds surprises.
Free Pick and Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves 118, Los Angeles Lakers 112