The Minnesota Timberwolves have limped out of the gate, going 3-7 in their first 10 games. The Timberwolves are currently mired in a six-game losing streak.
Anthony Edwards scored a season-high 48 points in Minnesota’s most recent loss to the Golden State Warriors, but the surrounding cast failed to keep the Timberwolves in the game, losing by 13 points.
The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to win their third game in a row, but will be without LeBron James and potentially Anthony Davis as well, as Davis is a game time decision with a thumb issue.
Putting the entire offense in the hands of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony could spell doom for the Lakers, and be a likely boost for Minnesota.
Russell Westbrook (5.1) is averaging more turnovers than Kyle Kuzma, KCP and Montrezl Harrell COMBINED (4.2). pic.twitter.com/AOFEDpvZKs
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 11, 2021
Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Timberwolves: +2 (-110)
- Lakers: -2 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Timberwolves: +105
- Lakers: -125
Total: 223.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Timberwolves vs. Lakers Prediction and Pick
All Westbrook and no James or Davis makes the Lakers a dull basketball team.
The Lakers will be without LeBron James when they host the Heat tonight at 10 ET on ESPN.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 10, 2021
The Lakers have been outscored by 42 points in 165 minutes with Davis and Westbrook on the court without LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/2DsXtDtd8Z
Westbrook has produced back-to-back triple-doubles in Los Angeles’ last two wins, but that level of play may be unsustainable at this point in Westbrook’s career.
The Lakers are currently 28th in the NBA in scoring defense, allowing 112.8 points per game, and their defense could crumble against a Minnesota team that is eighth in the NBA in pace.
Minnesota is dead-last in the NBA in rebound rate, but that number should be boosted if Davis is not on the court.
I just can’t bring myself to back the Lakers when James or Davis or neither are not available.
Pick: Timberwolves +105 ML