Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 5: Predictions, picks, odds for 2025 NBA playoff series
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Best first-round NBA playoff matchups
The For The Hoops crew discuss the most exciting first-round NBA playoff series, including Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Rockets vs. Warriors.
First-round action for the 2025 NBA playoffs continues with a Game 5 showdown between the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves and No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The Timberwolves can deliver the surprising knockout punch with a win.
Minnesota won Game 4 116-113 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. Anthony Edwards had an outstanding performance for the Timberwolves, scoring 43 points, while Julius Randle added 25 points. Despite the loss, Luka Doncic appeared to be recovered from a stomach bug, scoring 38 points. LeBron James contributed 27 points, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists.
Now the Lakers face a must-win Game 5 in Los Angeles. Here are the current predictions, odds and details on how to watch the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
More: Ranking all 16 NBA playoff teams by odds to win championship
Lakers vs. Timberwolves predictions: Game 5 picks
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports: Lakers
Back home facing elimination, the Lakers will be tough to beat with Luka Doncic and LeBron James – as long as they get offensive help and find a way to limit Minnesota's Anthony Edwards.
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY Sports: Lakers
LeBron James and Luka Dončić are too experienced and too talented to flame out in the postseason like this. The biggest issue, however, will be containing Anthony Edwards. Look for coach JJ Reddick to come up with defensive adjustments to prevent another meltdown in Game 5.
ESPN: Lakers have a 61.1% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Los Angeles Lakers have a 61.1% chance to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5.
Fox Sports: Timberwolves
Staff writes: "Minnesota has been chosen as underdogs in 18 games this year and has walked away with the win eight times (44.4%) in those games. Minnesota has come out on top in five of its last eight head-to-head meetings with Los Angeles. The Timberwolves have an advantage against the spread as well (5-3) when squaring off against the Lakers."
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 3 odds
The Los Angeles Lakers are favorites to bounce back and win Game 5, according to BetMGM.
BetMGM odds as of Monday, April 28
Spread : Lakers (-5.5)
: Lakers (-5.5) Moneyline : Lakers (-240); Timberwolves (+200)
: Lakers (-240); Timberwolves (+200) Over/under: 210.5
Lakers vs. Timberwolves series odds update
The Timberwolves are -210 favorites to win their first-round series in the NBA playoffs.
Series winner: Timberwolves (-210); Lakers (+170)
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: NBA playoffs schedule, time, TV channel, live stream
Game 5 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
All times Eastern.
Watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves with Sling TV
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