The Los Angeles Lakers (17-15) travel to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (23-7) on Saturday, December 30th. This game will be played at Target Center. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Lakers vs Timberwolves

The Lakers Are Coming Off A Win

The Lakers beat the Hornets in their most recent game, ending with a score of 133-112. The Lakers not only secured a straight-up victory in this game but also covered the spread as -13.5-point favorites. The over/under line for this matchup was set at 228 points, and the teams managed to exceed that total.

In their most recent five games, the Lakers have gone 2-3 and now have a 17-15 record overall. On the road, the Lakers are 6-11 this season compared to their 11-4 home record.

Los Angeles currently has an ATS record below .500, sitting at 14-18 at this point. In their last two road games, Los Angeles has successfully covered the spread, and they hold an ATS record of 7-10 on the road in contrast to 7-8 at home.

The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win

Most recently, the Timberwolves bested the Mavericks with a score of 118-110. The Timberwolves were favored by -12 heading into the game, but their 8 point victory failed to cover the spread. The over/under line entering this matchup was 227.5 points, and both teams achieved a total score that exceeded that line.

In non-conference games, the Timberwolves have gone 7-3 and are 16-4 against Western Conference opponents. In their last three games, the Timberwolves have gone 2-1 and have an overall record of 23-7.

For this season, Minnesota has an ATS record of 15-14, along with an ongoing two game losing streak against the spread. The Timberwolves have been unable to cover the spread in their last two games as favorites, and they hold a 4-4 record against the spread when playing as underdogs.

Lakers Offense Breakdown

The Lakers come into today’s game as the 17th ranked scoring offense at 114.7 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Lakers will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11 made 3’s per game. One reason that they are still scoring at a high rate, is the fact that they are ranked 6th in the NBA in possessions per contest. These increased opportunites have helped make up for the lack of outside shooting.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

Through 30 games the Timberwolves are averaging 113.4 points per contest, placing them 18th in the NBA. Coming into today’s game, the Timberwolves will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 12.1 made 3’s per game. If Minnesota continues to struggle with their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 21st in the league in possessions per game.

Lakers Team Defense

On defense, the Lakers come into the game ranked 15th in the league in points allowed at 114.5 per game. Over their last three games, the team is allowing 119.3 points per contest (29th). Inside the arc, the Lakers defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 52.7% and 37.5% from three-point territory.

Timberwolves Team Defense

So far, the Timberwolves’ defense is ranked 1st in the league at 107.4 points per contest. The Timberwolves defense is coming off a game in which they held the Mavericks offense to just 51.4% shooting. Overall, they gave up 110 points to Dallas.

Key Players For The Lakers And Timberwolves

In today’s game, our projections have Anthony Davis leading the Lakers with 26 points on 10/17 shooting from the field. Throughout this season, his average stands at 24.9 points per game, along with 12.3 rebounds.

As for Minnesota, Anthony Edwards is projected to be the primary scorer for the Timberwolves. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 23, and adding 4 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 45.6% and is averaging 25.9 points per contest.

Lakers vs Timberwolves Trends

• Through their last five road contests, the Lakers offense has averaged 117 points per game while allowing an average of 122. Los Angeles posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 2-3 ATS.
• The Timberwolves are 3-2 ATS in their last home games and 3-2 straight-up.
• The last ten games that Los Angeles was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 3-7 straight up.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 10-0. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-5.

Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction

Coming in as the underdogs at +3.5, we have the Lakers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 226.5 and our model has the Lakers and Timberwolves finishing with a combined 231 points. Our pick is to take the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.