Timberwolves vs Lakers Odds, Predictions and Injury News

• The #7 seed Los Angeles Lakers are 6.5-point home favorites over the #8 Minnesota Timberwolves in their NBA Western Conference play-in game on Tuesday, April 11
• Los Angeles is involved in a play-in game for the second time in three seasons
• See the Timberwolves vs Lakers odds and predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 40-41-1 ATS) are in an NBA play-in game for the second time in three years, while the Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40, 40-42 ATS) are NBA postseason participants for only the third time in 19 years.

Based on recent developments, you could say that the Timberwolves are in with a puncher’s chance.

During a timeout in Sunday’s regular-season finale against New Orleans, Minnesota center Rudy Gobert punched teammate Kyle Anderson. Meanwhile, small forward Jaden McDaniels slugged a Target Center wall and broke his hand. Neither player will be available on Tuesday against LA.

Any wonder then that the Lakers are set as 6.5-point home favorites?  The Lakers are just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven home games, though.

Timberwolves vs Lakers Odds

Minnesota is 2-1 both straight up and against the spread when facing the Lakers this season. That includes a 110-102 victory as 1.5-point road underdogs in the only visit by the Timberwolves to meet the Lakers.

This game is being broadcast by TNT in the USA and NBA League Pass in Canada. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 pm ET at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, April 11.

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The Lakers are seventh favorite in the NBA championship odds at +1400. Oddsmakers are setting Minnesota as the co-13th betting choice with a line of +15000 to be winning the NBA Finals.

Timberwolves vs Lakers Betting Trends

Looking at the NBA public betting splits, the people are very confident that it’s going to be LA winning this game. In moneyline splits, the Lakers are getting 88% of handle and 87% of bets. Spread splits are much less decisive. While 71% of handle is backing the Lakers, bets are split 50-50.

On the total of 229 points, there’s also indecision. The handle is going to the over at 58%. Meanwhile, bettors are liking the over at 68%. Six of Minnesota’s last eight games have gone under. On the other hand, LA is eight-for-eight at hitting the over in the past eight games.

Minnesota vs Los Angeles Injury Report

The Timberwolves will be missing two key players from the NBA starting lineups. Angered by a loose ball foul call, McDaniels punched the wall in the tunnel leading to the locker room and broke his hand.

Jaden McDaniels is out for the remainder of the game, the Timberwolves announced.

Prior to being ruled out, he was seen in the tunnel punching a wall. pic.twitter.com/KkIOrr7emb

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 9, 2023

As for Gobert, only his pride is hurt. He’s been suspended by the club for this game. Making Gobert’s absence even more problematic, backup center Naz Reid is out with a fractured left wrist. Shooting guard Jayden Nowell (knee) is showing as day-to-day. He didn’t play Sunday.

Injuries were a problem for the Lakers through much of this season. They’re as healthy now as they’ve been. Only point guard Dennis Schroder (neck) is showing as day-to-day.

Has LA Found a Groove?

An up-and-down season for LA is seeing the club entering the postseason on a definite upturn. A team that was below .500 at the 73-game mark, the Lakers have won six of their last seven games. That stretch includes a solid 123-111 win at Minnesota.

While LeBron James (28.9 points per game) and Anthony Davis (25.9 ppg) still lead the way, NBA trade deadline moves that reshaped the LA roster, giving the club a sensible rotation that works, is paying dividends. The Lakers are 16-8 SU since those Feb. 9 deals went down.

Minnesota Is a Mess

The Timberwolves announced Gobert’s suspension. He won’t be making the trip to LA. His absence is leaning first-year player Luka Garza as Minnesota’s only active center. The first-year player hasn’t started a single game among his 28 appearances. He’s scoring 6.5 PPG.

Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gobert got into a scuffle during a timeout😳 pic.twitter.com/y8X76TbUuJ

— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) April 9, 2023

As for McDaniels, his foolishness is costing Minnesota one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. Between them, Gobert and McDaniels average 25.5 points and 15.5 rebounds per game. That’s a big swath to carve through a team’s lineup, no matter where they’re situated in the NBA playoff bracket.

Timberwolves vs Lakers Prediction

The T-Wolves and Lakers were involved in one of those Feb. 9 trades. Point Guard D’Angelo Russell, who was averaging 17.9 PPG for Minnesota, is scoring 17.4 PPG in 17 games since coming to LA.

Minnesota is 2-4 SU in the club’s last six trips to face the Lakers. It’s going to be easy to write the shorthanded Timberwolves off in this game. However, Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in the last seven against the Lakers. And even though the team is playing better, LA is a mediocre 6-7 ATS through the past 13 games.

Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +6.5 (-110)