LiontipsLakers vs Minnesota. NBA match prediction and bets
Command Analysis
Current form
The Lakers played six games in the preseason tournament, winning only two of them. In their last game on October 19, the team from the Golden State lost to Golden State on the road with a crushing score of 74:132. The most effective player on the losing team was Quincy Olivari, who scored 22 points, made seven rebounds and two assists in 39 minutes on the court. The second-highest scorer was Bronny James (17). All of the team leaders were given the day off and did not participate in the game.
The Lakers finished eighth in the West last season and lost to New Orleans in the play-in. During the summer offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers retained all of their leaders and signed 23-year-old Dalton Knecht (17th overall pick in the 2024 draft). Bronny James, son of LeBron James, was selected in the second round of the 2024 draft with the 55th overall pick. Head coach Darwin Ham was fired and replaced by JJ Redick.
Disqualifications and injuries
The Lakers enter the season opener with a fighting lineup, with immediate replacement Jared Vanderbilt in the infirmary.
Interesting facts for betting
The Lakers' assist rate is 28.5 percent per game (fifth in the league at the end of the 2023-24 season).
Estimated composition
D'Angelo Russell - Anthony Davis - Austin Reeves - LeBron James - Rui Hachimura.
Current form
Minnesota won its first two preseason games but lost its last three. The Timberwolves lost the last one to Denver 126-132 on October 18. Luka Garza led the losing team with 29 points, nine rebounds and an assist. Rob Dillingham had 15 points and Jayceon Nix had 17.
The Minneapolis team finished third in the West last season and reached the playoff semifinals, where they lost to Dallas (1-4). The Timberwolves acquired forward Keita Bates-Diop, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and forward Julius Randle from the Knicks in exchange for center Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason. They also gave up forward David Mookie.
Disqualifications and injuries
Minnesota took a fighting squad with them on their trip to California. The team infirmary is completely empty.
Interesting facts for betting
Minnesota two-point field goal percentage is 48.5 percent (10th in the league at the end of the 2023-24 season).
Estimated composition
Mike Conley - Anthony Edwards - Jarden McCandelis - Julius Randle - Rudy Gobert.
Trends
Davis Total Rebounds Under 16.5
Davis averages 15.6 rebounds per game
1.87James Total Assists Under 9.5
James averages 8.6 assists per game
1.88Tip and bets
Bookmakers' analysts found it difficult to name a clear favorite of the upcoming match. In their opinion, the Timberwolves will have a slight advantage. That true. Both teams are about the same level. In addition, the strongest players will appear on the court. The battle for victory at the Crypto.com Arena promises to be noble. However, in this situation, it is worth betting on the guests. Home walls are unlikely to help the "lake". Redick was unable to fully prepare the team for the start of the tournament.
Our prediction is a Minnesota win with overtime at 1.86
Bet on individual total
Minnesota will put its strongest players on the court. With all the leaders in the Timberwolves lineup, it shows high efficiency. The average point average for the regular season 2023/24 is 118.4 (sixth place in the league). And this time, the basketball players from Minneapolis will be able to load the opponent basket decently.
Our prediction is Minnesota individual total is over 112.5 points including overtime at 2.15
Bet on the first half
Minnesota basketball players are not in a very good mood after three defeats in a row in friendly matches. The Timberwolves, no doubt, will try to achieve success in order to rehabilitate themselves in front of their fans. The players of Chris Finch team will show who is the boss on the Crypto.com Arena parquet from the first minutes of the match and seize the initiative.
Our prediction is a Minnesota win in the first half of the game at 2.16
