Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

This first-round series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers is level at 1-1, and with LA pulling a game back after their blowout loss in the first game, Friday's clash is a highly important one.

There is the feeling the Lakers need at least one win from their two-game trip to Minnesota - which is, ironically, their historic home, having once been the Minneapolis Lakers - as they were definitely second-best in the opening two matches of this series.

Yes, LA did win Game 2, but Minnesota looked to be pulling their punches in that nine-point Lakers loss and were utterly dominant in the first match, winning by 22 points.

The Timberwolves seem confident of landing back-to-back wins at home and they can land the first of those in convincing fashion on Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves betting picks and predictions

Minnesota Timberwolves -3.0 (-110)

Unsurprisingly, the Timberwolves seemed pretty content in leaving California with a split series, but some Wolves fans may be frustrated their team didn’t put the Lakers to the sword, which they perhaps could have. 

Minnesota lacked the intensity they showed in Game 1 when losing last time, shown most by the fact they lost the rebounding battle 41-34 despite having a significant size advantage over the Lakers.

However, being back in front of an expectant Target Center crowd should rectify that absence of effort. 

The Timberwolves have won five straight games at home and with all of those victories coming by at least 11 points, they can be expected to cover a -3.0 line against the Lakers, who are 4-8 across their last 12 away matches and may struggle to cope with their younger hosts. 

The Lakers’ three star men, LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, all played over 40 minutes in Game 2 and that could take its toll at the Target Center, where the Timberwolves can bounce back in style.

Under 205.5 Total Points (-110)

Doncic has been the Lakers’ only consistently good performer in this series, while beyond Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, the Timberwolves have struggled for regular output from their stars’ supporting pieces. 

With so many players, including seasoned stars like James and Rudy Gobert, struggling to find their groove, it could pay to back the Under, which landed in all four regular-season meetings between the pair as well as the opening two games of this series. 

Minnesota superstar Edwards has openly admitted he was bamboozled by the Lakers’ zone defense in game two which threw him off somewhat and, if they can replicate that tactic at the Target Center while also banking on their expert defenders like Jaden McDaniels limiting the scoring of Doncic, it seems unlikely there will be a barrage of points on Friday.

Luka Doncic Double Double (-135)

The Lakers’ Slovenian superstar has, unsurprisingly, led LA in scoring in this series, racking up 68 points. But by his standards, he has underperformed in other areas. 

Game 1 was a disappointing one for Doncic as he provided just one assist for his teammates and grabbed only eight rebounds.

He bounced back in Game 2, however, notching nine assists and 12 rebounds, which is more like his normal performance level, especially in the playoffs. 

Before this series, Doncic had recorded a double-double in five of his seven previous playoff games, and after returning to his best in Game 2, he looks likely to continue that trend at the Target Center.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves odds

Los Angeles Lakers	+130 ML
Minnesota Timberwolves	-155 ML
Spread	MIN Timberwolves -3.0
Total Points	O/U 205.5

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves player props

Player Points

Luka Doncic (LA Lakers)	O/U 30.5
Anthony Edwards (MIN Timberwolves)	O/U 26.5
LeBron James (LA Lakers)	O/U 22.5
Julius Randle (MIN Timberwolves)	O/U 18.5
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers)	O/U 17.5
Jaden McDaniels (MIN Timberwolves)	O/U 12.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.