It’s a rematch of the one-sided, first-round playoff matchup a mere six months ago, wherein the Minnesota Timberwolves sent the Los Angeles Lakers packing in just five games. We’ll see how much has changed, especially with LeBron James sidelined. 

AWAY: Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0, 1-0 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Rudy Gobert

The Timberwolves are coming in hyped after a good season debut. They won on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers, 118-114, after going +11 in the fourth quarter. As always, Anthony Edwards was at the forefront as he unleashed 41 points, including a game-sealing jumper in the final seconds. 

Expect the All-Star guard to be quite the force as per usual. He was in full attack mode the last time they were against the Lakers, and his confidence isn’t slowing down. Also, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert all took turns pounding on LA in the said series, so they too should have their confidence at a high.

Donte DiVincenzo’s move to starting guard in place of the aging Mike Conley–who’s still solid, regardless–didn’t get off to a good start. While he had two steals and two blocks, his assist-to-turnover ratio was awful as he had six errors against just two dimes, as well just seven points on 3-for-7 shooting. He has plenty of time to bounce back, though.

HOME: Los Angeles Lakers (0-1, 0-1 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Luka Doncic
  • Austin Reaves
  • Rui Hachimura
  • Jarred Vanderbilt
  • Deandre Ayton

The Lakers dropped their season-opener to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, 119-109. It was a game they basically lost in the third quarter as they were -10 in points and played catch-up the rest of the way. 

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were pretty much left alone by the supporting cast as they combined for 69 points (43 for the former) while the others collectively had just 40. Then again, it can easily be about the gameplan being centered on the two more than anything. Either way, it’s something to be monitored moving forward – JJ Redick and his staff already have their hands full.

Reaves will remain as the no. 2 man behind Doncic with LeBron James still out, but someone ought to rise up as a reliable third scorer. Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and maybe Jake LaRavia are the top candidates to do that.

Off-season acquisition DeAndre Ayton had 10 points, six boards, and four turnovers across 34 minutes in his Laker debut. It was a tough scene, and he’ll need to redeem himself quickly – buckle up for tomorrow because he will be constantly challenged by Edwards and company.

PICKS

Spread: Timberwolves (-3)

Over/Under: Over (225)