Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction Play-In Games Picks 4/11
- A Plus Picks
- Apr 10, 2023, 6:34:07 PM
© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Game Preview: Timberwolves vs Lakers - April 11, 2023
It's an intense match-up as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA playoffs play-in tournament on April 11, 2023. The winner of this game will secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Lakers are favorites to win this game by 6.5 points, according to experts' NBA picks, computer NBA picks, and NBA picks and parlays. The current over/under is set at 229.5, and NBA predictions today suggest that this will be a high-scoring game. With both teams having a decent record against Western Conference opponents, the game is set to be an exciting one. The Lakers are known for their strong defensive play, ranking ninth in the conference, whereas the Timberwolves have been impressive in their last ten games, winning seven of them. Anthony Davis and Malik Beasley are expected to be the top performers for the Lakers, while Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards are players to watch out for in the Timberwolves' camp. Injuries could play a crucial role in this game, with Dennis Schroder being a day-to-day absentee in the Lakers' camp, while Naz Reid and Jaylen Nowell are out and Jaden McDaniels on a day-to-day status for the Timberwolves. It's anyone's game as the Timberwolves and Lakers face off in this must-win match. Stay tuned for the full-length prediction article to analyze the teams in-depth and make your best NBA bets today.
Timberwolves: Offensive Analysis
As the Minnesota Timberwolves gear up for their play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, offensive production will be key to their success. Currently ranked 13th in the league for points per game, with an average of 115.8, the Timberwolves will need to maintain their offensive efficiency if they hope to secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Malik Beasley has been a driving force behind Minnesota's offense, averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. Additionally, Anthony Edwards has been shooting 44.1% over the past 10 games, averaging 19.1 points and 4.1 rebounds. The Timberwolves will need these two players to continue their hot streaks on the offensive end of the court. However, the team does struggle with some offensive statistics. They have an average field goal percentage of 49.0%, which is only good for third in the league. Additionally, they rank 18th in the league in free throw attempts per game. Against the Lakers, who have a solid defense, holding opponents to 116.6 points per game and limiting opponents to 46.9% shooting, the Timberwolves will need to be efficient with their shot selection and capitalize on their opportunities to score. Overall, the Timberwolves have the offensive talent to compete with the Lakers, but they will need to effectively execute their game plan and outscore their opponents to secure the win and secure their spot in the playoffs.
Timberwolves: Defensive Analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into a critical game against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the winner securing the seventh seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. In order to come out on top, the Timberwolves will need to bring their A-game on both ends of the court, including defense. Currently, the Timberwolves Defense is ranked 18th in the league, allowing an average of 115.8 points per game. The team will need to step up their defensive efforts if they hope to contain the Lakers offense, which is ranked 6th in scoring. Fortunately, Minnesota has a few key defensive players who can make a difference in this match-up. Rudy Gobert, who is averaging 11.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, will be a force in the paint to challenge the Lakers' Anthony Davis, who is averaging 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, Minnesota has been solid in steals, averaging 8.2 per game, with Anthony Edwards leading the way with 1.2 steals per game. The Timberwolves must use their defensive skills to create turnovers and limit the Lakers' fastbreak points. Overall, the Timberwolves will need to be consistent on defense if they hope to secure a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs. The team's ability to contain the Lakers' potent offense and create turnovers will be essential in this critical game. It will be an exciting match-up and one that NBA picks experts and computers will be paying close attention to when making their predictions.
Lakers: Offense Analysis
The Lakers have been on a roll in their last 10 games, winning 8 of them with an average of 122.6 points per game. Their offense, led by superstar Anthony Davis, has been firing on all cylinders and will pose a major threat to the Timberwolves in this game. With a 117.2 points per game average, the Lakers have the 6th ranked offense in the NBA. They are also strong in transition, ranking 4th in fastbreak points per game at 16.7. The Lakers' ability to score from beyond the arc has been less impressive, with a 3-point percentage of 34.6%, ranked 25th in the league. The Lakers' offensive success is heavily reliant on the production of Anthony Davis, who is averaging 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. He will be a tough matchup for the Timberwolves, especially with the absence of Naz Reid due to injury. However, the Lakers will need contributions from their supporting cast as well. Malik Beasley has been a reliable scorer for the Lakers in recent games, averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. The Lakers will need him to continue his hot shooting in order to stretch the Timberwolves' defense and create space for Davis and others to operate. Overall, the Lakers have the offensive firepower to dominate this game and secure the 7th seed in the Western Conference playoffs. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks alike are predicting a Lakers victory in this matchup. Look for the Lakers to make a statement with a strong offensive showing.
Lakers: Defensive Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a crucial game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament, with the winner securing the seventh seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. The Lakers' defense will play a critical role in determining the outcome of the game. According to NBA defensive rankings, the Lakers are ninth in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing only 116.6 points while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting. This is an impressive feat given the diversity of talent that the Western Conference boasts. One of the key players in the Lakers' defensive efforts has been Anthony Davis, who is averaging 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game. Davis' ability to protect the rim and contest shots has been instrumental in anchoring the Lakers' defense and disrupting the opposing team's offensive momentum. Additionally, the Lakers' fast break defense has been impressive this season, with the team averaging 16.7 fastbreak points per game, fourth in the league. This has been possible due to the team's commitment to effective transition defense, which allows them to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities and exploit their own. Another area where the Lakers have excelled defensively is in limiting their opponents' three-point field goals. The team ranks second in the league in opponent three-point percentage, allowing only 34.4% shooting. This has been possible due to the Lakers' commitment to closing out on shooters and rotating effectively on the perimeter. However, the Lakers' defense has shown some inconsistency this season, with the team allowing 115.2 points per game in their last 10 games. This is an area of concern, as their opponents have been able to exploit their defensive weaknesses and create scoring opportunities. In conclusion, the Lakers' defense will be instrumental in determining the outcome of the game against the Timberwolves. The team will need to be consistent in their defensive efforts and minimize their opponents' scoring opportunities to secure a victory and clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.
Injury Report
The injury report for the Minnesota Timberwolves includes Naz Reid, who is out with a wrist injury. Jaylen Nowell and Jaden McDaniels are both listed as day-to-day with a knee and hand injury respectively. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have Dennis Schroder listed as day-to-day with a neck injury. These injuries, while not significant, could still have an impact on the game. Reid's absence leaves the Timberwolves thin at the center position, while the Lakers will be missing a key player in Schroder who has been a consistent contributor for them all season. It will be interesting to see how both teams adjust their lineups and rotations given these injuries. Overall, the injury report shouldn't have a significant impact on the game, but it's always important to monitor players' health and their respective team's depth. As always, we advise you to stay up to date with the latest injury news and information leading up to game time.
| Player | Team | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Schroder | Los Angeles Lakers | PG | Day-to-day (neck) |
| Naz Reid | Minnesota Timberwolves | C | Out (wrist) |
| Jaylen Nowell | Minnesota Timberwolves | SG | Day-to-day (knee) |
| Jaden McDaniels | Minnesota Timberwolves | PF | Day-to-day (hand) |
Betting Trends
When it comes to betting trends for the upcoming game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, it is important to consider the recent performance of both teams. The Lakers have been on a hot streak, winning eight of their last ten games and averaging 122.6 points per game during that span. On the other hand, the Timberwolves have also been playing well, winning seven of their last ten games and averaging 117.0 points per game. Expert NBA picks and predictions suggest that the Lakers are the favorites to win this game, with a spread of -6.5 points. This means that if you bet on the Lakers to win, they must win by at least seven points for your bet to be considered a winner. The over/under for this game is set at 229.5 points, indicating a high-scoring affair between these two teams. When it comes to betting with the spread, the Lakers have been a solid team, covering in 53.1% of their games this season. Additionally, the Lakers have covered in their last four games, while the Timberwolves have only covered in two of their last four games. When it comes to betting on the total, the over has hit in three of the last five games for the Lakers and in four of the last five games for the Timberwolves. Additionally, the over has hit in six of the last ten games between these two teams. Overall, the Lakers have been a better team against the spread this season, covering in more games than the Timberwolves. However, both teams have been playing well lately and it could be a close game. As always, it is important to do your own research and analysis before placing any bets.
Prediction:
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers will have a close game, but the Lakers are favored to win by 8 points due to their strong defense and recent form but majorly for Rudy Gobert's suspension. However, do not count out the Timberwolves, who have been playing well in their last 10 games and have a decent record against Western Conference opponents. It could be a game that goes down to the wire, but ultimately the Lakers will secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Pick: Timberwolves +8.
