The Los Angeles Lakers (2-4), 1-point underdogs, will travel to Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-4). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 238.5 points and it can be seen on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, October 29, 2018.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Timberwolves (2-point underdogs) were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 125-95, while the Lakers (1-point favorites) fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 110-106. The Minnesota game finished 13.5 points under the projected point total of 233.5, while the Los Angeles game finished 16.5 points under the projected point total of 232.5.
Los Angeles held San Antonio to an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below the 0.550 mark opponents have averaged against Los Angeles this season) while Minnesota had a turnover percentage of 5.5 (better than their season average of 12.3). Minnesota was lifted by Karl-Anthony Towns, who put up 16 points and seven rebounds. LeBron James fueled Los Angeles with 35 points and 11 rebounds.
The high-powered offense of Minnesota will battle against the mid-tier defense of Los Angeles. Dating back to last season, the Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Lakers are 14th in defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves should have the edge on that side of the ball. Opposite styles will be on display in this battle. The up-tempo Lakers rank first in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Timberwolves rank 22nd.
Vegas tends to place the total low when the Lakers are involved, as 83.3 percent of their games have finished over the projected point total. Los Angeles holds records of 2-4 straight up (SU) and 2-4 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas is exceedingly precise when predicting totals of Timberwolves games, with an even split between overs and unders. Further, Minnesota is 2-4 SU and 2-4 ATS.
The Timberwolves dominated this series last year, winning all four games. In the most recent game, Minnesota won 113-96. The Timberwolves’ 4.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Lakers, who had a rate of 17.7.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Lakers rank seventh in assists per game (24.0) while the Timberwolves rank 20th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
- Minnesota ranks fifth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while Los Angeles ranks last in points allowed in the paint per game (49.6).
- The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (18.2) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (10.2).
- Minnesota ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while Los Angeles ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.1).
- Los Angeles ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (29.3) while Minnesota ranks last (22.9).
- The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Lakers rank 24th (8.3).
- The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (42.2).
- Minnesota ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (4.8) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (5.4).
- Los Angeles averages 14.0 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
- Los Angeles is 13-5 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 20-4.
- When reaching 100 points, the Lakers are 34-33 and the Timberwolves are 47-28.
