It is win or go home now for the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Facing elimination, will the Lakers find a way to extend the series to Game 6? Or, will the Timberwolves book LA its tickets to Cancun with a victory in Game 5?
Catch this game live on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Minnesota Timberwolves (3-1)
Projected Starting Five:
- Mike Conley
- Anthony Edwards
- Jaden McDaniels
- Julius Randle
- Rudy Gobert
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves are just a win away from getting their payback on Luka Doncic eliminating them from the playoffs last year. Edwards dropped a 43-point offensive bombshell in Game 4 last Monday to lead Minnesota to a 116-113 victory.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle added 25 points, as Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert grabbed a total of 21 rebounds between them. It has been a team effort for the Timberwolves in the series, notwithstanding Edwards’ capability to take over games himself. Minnesota’s bench is not one to be overlooked as well. Timberwolves backups are averaging 28.0 points in the series while Los Angeles’ relievers are only putting up a measly 12.8 points per outing. In Game 4, Minnesota’s bench outscored its LA counterpart by a huge margin, 25-6.
The Timberwolves are 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 road games. They have also covered the spread in six of their last 10 trips to LA’s home, dating back to 2021.
Home: Los Angeles Lakers (1-3)
Projected Starting Five:
- Luka Doncic
- Austin Reaves
- Rui Hachimura
- LeBron James
- Jaxson Hayes
Hopefully for the Lakers, two full days of rest are enough for LeBron James’ 40-year-old body to recover after getting subjected to what amounts to elder abuse in a basketball sense, having been left on the court for 46 minutes in Game 4 — including being on the floor for the entire fourth quarter.
James seemingly ran out of gas in that contest, taking just two attempts from the field in the final period, though, he still managed to finish with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. Luka Doncic led LA with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting in 46 minutes, so the rest in between Game 4 and Game 5 should also be especially beneficial for the Slovenian. But as mentioned, the Lakers will have to find a way to get their bench involved more after getting outplayed greatly by Minnesota’s backups in the first four games.
The Lakers are 3-1 against the spread in their last four games as the home team. Moreover, they are 3-1 ATS in their last four home games against Minnesota.
Picks
Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves (+5.5)
Over/Under: Over (210.0)
