The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series in the 2025 NBA playoffs. It’s do or die time for the Lakers as they look to avoid elimination against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Minnesota currently holds a 3-1 series lead after a 116-113 victory in Game 4, led by a standout performance from Anthony Edwards, who scored 43 points.
The Timberwolves, the sixth seed in the conference, have been strong on the road this season with a 25-18 record, including the postseason. On the other hand, the Lakers, the third seed in the West, have been dominant on their home court, boasting a 32-11 record for the 2024-25 season. The teams split their four regular-season matchups, with the home team coming out on top each time.
The game is set to take place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles at 10 p.m. ET. The Lakers have historically had success against the Timberwolves in previous playoff series, but they are facing an uphill battle in this particular matchup. The latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook have the Lakers as 5.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 210 points.
The SportsLine Projection Model, known for its accurate predictions, has been on fire during the playoffs, boasting a 156-116 record on top-rated NBA picks. The model has simulated the Lakers vs. Timberwolves matchup 10,000 times and has now revealed its picks and betting predictions. If you’re looking to place a bet, it might be worth checking out what the model has to say.
Point guard Luka Doncic has been a key player for the Lakers, averaging 30.8 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal in the first four games of the series. LeBron James has also been a force to be reckoned with, putting up impressive numbers in the postseason. In Game 4, James scored 27 points and recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and three steals.
On the Timberwolves’ side, shooting guard Anthony Edwards has been a standout performer, averaging 29.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the playoffs. Power forward Julius Randle has also been a solid contributor, averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in four playoff starts. The Timberwolves have a well-rounded scoring attack that could pose a challenge for the Lakers in Game 5.
According to SportsLine’s model, the total points scored in the game is projected to be 211, with the Over being the favored pick. The model also predicts that one side of the spread hits in over 60% of simulations, making it an A-rated pick. If you’re looking to make a bet on the game, it might be wise to follow the model’s recommendations.
In conclusion, the Lakers will need to bring their A-game if they hope to stay alive in the playoffs and force a Game 6 against the Timberwolves. With key players like Doncic and James leading the charge, the Lakers have a fighting chance. However, the Timberwolves have shown they are a formidable opponent with players like Edwards and Randle stepping up when it matters most. It’s bound to be an exciting matchup between these two teams, and only time will tell who will come out on top in Game 5.
