Timberwolves Best ATS Pick vs Lakers

Lakers vs Timberwolves Game Information

• Game: Lakers (15-13) vs Timberwolves (20-6)
• Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Day/Time: Thursday, Dec. 21, 9:00 p.m. ET
• Lakers vs Timberwolves Live Stream: NBA Game Pass

The Lakers travel to face the top team in the West, the Timberwolves, on NBA TV. Both teams are coming off losses in the first of a back-to-back, but the Timberwolves have been much better overall. That led to the opening NBA lines favoring the Timberwolves.

Lakers vs Timberwolves Odds and Spreads

Lakers vs Timberwolves Betting Trends

• Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
• Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
• Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Lakers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
• Lakers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.
• Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 11.0 or greater.
• Under is 6-0 in Timberwolves last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Over is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

Moneyline Pick: Timberwolves -245

Right now, the way that the Lakers have been playing, it is tough to back them. However, the NBA news talks about the Lakers a lot, but the Timberwolves have been one of the best teams in the early season while getting much less recognition. They sit atop a crowded West, which many did not expect.

A big reason for the Timberwolves’ success this season has been their defense. They are allowing the fewest points per game with the best defensive rating in the league. That has been helped out by three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, who returned to his usual form after struggling last season.

Jaden McDaniels has also been a massive part of the defense, usually taking on the opponent’s best perimeter player. McDaniels has also gradually improved offensively, scoring 21 points against the 76ers.

However, the offense still primarily runs through Anthony Edwards, averaging 24.7 points. He scored 27 points in the loss to the 76ers, and that kind of offensive night usually leans NBA odds in favor of the Timberwolves.

Pick Against the Spread- Timberwolves -6½ -110

Both teams are playing the second of a back-to-back, which does level out the playing field in this matchup. On top of that, both teams were on the road in the first leg of that back-to-back, having to travel to Minnesota for this game.

That might significantly affect NBA betting when looking at the Lakers, given that their two stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are older, often injured and taking on a heavy workload on the court. In fact, the Lakers announced on Thursday afternoon that James will miss the game due to tendinitis in his ankle. That gives the Timberwolves a stronger advantage, with them also just outplaying the Lakers.

The Lakers have lost 4 out of their last 5 games since winning the In-Season Tournament.

Oh man… pic.twitter.com/TmfudQJ5Ts

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 21, 2023

The Lakers have only won once in the five games since winning the In-Season Tournament. That win came against the San Antonio Spurs, arguably the worst team in the West. The Lakers also lost to them in the following game.

Player Prop Pick: Anthony Edwards Points Over 26.5 -112

On paper, the Timberwolves have a big advantage over the Lakers, which is why they should win this game. They are the home team while playing much better basketball. Furthermore, Edwards is becoming a star in the league and in big games, putting the team on his back. This could be one of those nights leading to a big scoring game for the young star.

Bet $200, Get $450 Bonus on first deposit! Power up your picks!

Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction

Timberwolves 114, Lakers 106

Questions of the Day