Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – Prediction, Preview, Pics, Team News, Form Guide – NBA.
The NBA 2024-25 season kicks off with an exciting showdown as the Los Angeles Lakers face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. Both teams have had a busy offseason and pre-season campaigns, filled with trades, roster changes, and pre-season performances. As the Lakers look to bounce back from a disappointing playoff run, and the Timberwolves seek to continue their surge in the Western Conference, this match promises to be a thrilling contest.
Summary
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Competition: NBA 2024-25 Regular Season
- Los Angeles Lakers Coach: JJ Redick
- Minnesota Timberwolves Coach: Chris Finch
- Recent Form:
- Los Angeles Lakers: LLWLWL (Pre-season)
- Minnesota Timberwolves: WWLLL (Pre-season)
- Los Angeles Lakers Key Players: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Bronny James
- Minnesota Timberwolves Key Players: Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle
Match Preview
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to open their 2024-25 NBA regular season after mixed pre-season results. For the Lakers, it’s a chance to recover from a tough exit in the first round of last season’s playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are fresh off an unexpected run to the Western Conference finals, where they were ultimately defeated by the Dallas Mavericks.
Los Angeles Lakers Pre-season Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their pre-season preparations with a demoralizing 132-74 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Head coach JJ Redick, who took over the Lakers this year, opted to rest his key players, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, in their last warm-up game, allowing young talents like Bronny James to get valuable court time.
Bronny James, in particular, made the most of his opportunity, scoring 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting in his 35 minutes of play. The Lakers finished their pre-season campaign with two wins and four losses, showing inconsistency as Redick continues to settle into his role.
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Despite the pre-season struggles, the Lakers remain one of the league’s most formidable teams, especially with LeBron James still chasing a fifth championship ring as he enters the twilight of his career. The team’s success will heavily depend on the health and performance of Anthony Davis, who will need to be a dominant force in the paint to offset the loss of key role players from last season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Pre-season Overview
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a strong start to their pre-season, winning their first two games, including a victory over the Lakers. However, they ended the pre-season with three consecutive losses, including a narrow 132-126 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, a rematch of last year’s heated playoff series.
The Timberwolves are a team on the rise, with star players like Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert leading the charge. One of the most notable off-season moves was the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, which brought in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. This trade has undoubtedly changed the team’s dynamics, but it also gave the Timberwolves a more balanced roster with a mix of youth and experience.
As they face the Lakers, Chris Finch’s men will be looking to start their season strong on the road before heading to Sacramento to face the Kings later in the week.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Lineups
The lineups for both teams will likely feature a mix of experienced veterans and younger players looking to make their mark. Below are the expected starting lineups for both teams:
Los Angeles Lakers Possible Starting Five:
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: LeBron James
- PF: Rui Hachimura
- C: Anthony Davis
Minnesota Timberwolves Possible Starting Five:
- PG: Mike Conley
- SG: Anthony Edwards
- SF: Jaden McDaniels
- PF: Julius Randle
- C: Rudy Gobert
Team News
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
For the Lakers, Armel Traore remains sidelined due to a hand injury, while Christian Koloko is out due to illness. However, both are expected to return later in the season. Dalton Knecht, who impressed in the pre-season, missed the final game with a knee injury but is optimistic about his availability for the season opener. Rui Hachimura also sat out with a minor calf issue, though his absence was more precautionary than anything else.
Minnesota Timberwolves Team News
Minnesota enters the game with relatively few injury concerns, though Naz Reid is dealing with a shoulder impingement that may keep him out of the season opener. The Timberwolves will be without Karl-Anthony Towns for the foreseeable future after trading him to the Knicks. The team will be eager to see how their new additions, particularly Julius Randle, integrate into the lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Stats
The head-to-head stats between these two teams show a competitive history. In their last five meetings, the Timberwolves have won four, including a pre-season matchup just two weeks ago. The Lakers will be looking to break that trend and secure a vital opening win at home.
Key Stats:
- Head-to-Head: Timberwolves lead 4-1 in the last five meetings.
- Points per Game (2023-24 Season):
- Lakers: 112.4
- Timberwolves: 113.6
- Rebounds per Game:
- Lakers: 46.1
- Timberwolves: 45.4
- Assists per Game:
- Lakers: 24.8
- Timberwolves: 23.1
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Timeline
- Last Five Meetings:
- October 2024: Timberwolves 110-98 Lakers (Pre-season)
- March 2024: Timberwolves 118-114 Lakers (Regular season)
- February 2024: Timberwolves 120-109 Lakers (Regular season)
- December 2023: Timberwolves 122-116 Lakers (Regular season)
- October 2023: Lakers 121-110 Timberwolves (Regular season)
Prediction
This game is expected to be a close contest, with both teams eager to start the season on a high note. The Timberwolves have had the upper hand in recent meetings, but the Lakers, playing at home and with a rested lineup, will pose a significant challenge. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are likely to be pivotal in dictating the outcome, while Anthony Edwards will be the key for Minnesota.
Soccerbaba Prediction: Timberwolves to win by 4+ points
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FAQs
- When is the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game?
The game will take place on October 23, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. - What time is the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game?
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET). - Who are the key players to watch for the Lakers?
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves will be key for the Lakers. - Who are the key players to watch for the Timberwolves?
Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle are the standout players for the Timberwolves. - What is the Lakers’ recent form?
The Lakers finished their pre-season with a record of 2 wins and 4 losses. - What is the Timberwolves’ recent form?
The Timberwolves finished their pre-season with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses. - What is the head-to-head record between the Lakers and Timberwolves?
The Timberwolves have won 4 of the last 5 meetings against the Lakers. - Where can I watch the Lakers vs. Timberwolves game live?
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and NBA League Pass. - What are the predicted lineups for the Lakers and Timberwolves?
The Lakers are expected to start D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis. The Timberwolves are expected to start Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert. - What is the prediction for the Lakers vs. Timberwolves game?
Soccerbaba predicts a narrow victory for the Timberwolves
