Timberwolves vs Lakers Picks and Prediction – 10/23/2024

The second game of a Tuesday night NBA on TNT season opening doubleheader will feature a battle between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers from Crypto.com Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Timberwolves have reached the playoffs in three straight years and were eliminated by Dallas in last season’s Western Conference Finals. All-Star G Anthony Edwards (25.9 ppg) is one of the most unstoppable forces in the league and continues to improve. 

The Timberwolves moved away from their big lineup by trading All-Star F/C Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for F Julius Randle and G Donte DiVincenzo. Versatile big man Naz Reid (13.5 ppg)provides Minnesota with plenty of scoring off the bench and F Jaden McDaniels is emerging as one of the better defenders in the league. 

The Los Angeles Lakers have been to the playoffs in four of the previous six years and are in search of their first NBA Championship since the 2020 Covid season. In the four seasons since that title, the Lakers have made it out of the first round just once. Los Angeles remains relevant because of the presence of F LeBron James (25.7 ppg) and F/C Anthony Davis (24.7 ppg). 

Los Angeles relieved Darvin Ham of his head coaching duties and turned to J.J. Redick to lead the team. The Lakers drafted F Dalton Knecht in the first round and he has already shown flashes in the preseason of his scoring ability. A healthy Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent could make this team dangerous in the loaded Western Conference. 

Los Angeles F Jarred Vanderbilt is dealing with a foot injury and will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks. Minnesota certainly has a more balanced offense and has provided Edwards with spacing thanks to a more potent three-point shooting cast. Take the Timberwolves to win on the road. Final Score Prediction, Minnesota Timberwolves win 117-108.