The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Golden State Warriors on opening night, but L.A. will look to get back on track Friday when it hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, my Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions and free NBA picks for Friday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena believe Anthony Edwards & Co. will move to 2-0 on Friday, October 24.
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Timberwolves vs Lakers prediction
Timberwolves vs Lakers best bet: Timberwolves -2.5 (-110)
The Los Angeles Lakers looked outmatched in Tuesday’s 119-109 loss, but the path forward doesn’t get any easier. The Minnesota Timberwolves sported the sixth-best defensive rating in the Association last season at 111.5, and the core is back in 2025.
Los Angeles’ offense is a major concern, and its lack of depth was apparent on Tuesday. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves provided 69 points on 26 of 43 shooting, while the rest of the team finished with just 40 points on 16 of 34 shooting. The Lakers’ other three starters totaled just 22 points.
There are concerns for the Lakers defensively, as well. Deandre Ayton is not an elite rim protector, and Rui Hachimura is not a stud on that end of the court. Perimeter defense will be key for the Lakers, but I don’t expect them to be up to the task against the Wolves.
Minnesota’s length and size will cause problems, and the Wolves can stretch the floor with Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and sharpshooting bigs like Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
Minnesota has covered in three straight, four of the last five, and seven of the last 10 head-to-head matchups with the Lakers. Depth and defensive intensity should win the day here, and I like the Wolves to cover this small spread on the road.
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Timberwolves vs Lakers same-game parlay
I expect Minnesota’s defense to limit Los Angeles’ limited offense, leading to a low-scoring game. The Wolves and Lakers have hit the Under in seven of the last 10 head-to-head matchups, including five straight at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic took on a hefty 36.9 usage rate in the season opener, and I can’t see that coming down on Friday. With LeBron James sidelined and a roster far from deep at the point guard position, expect Luka to have the ball in his hands a ton.
Pair that with a strong Minnesota defense, and Doncic could rack up turnovers quickly.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP
- Timberwolves -2.5
- Under 225
- Luka Doncic Over 4.5 turnovers
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ant-Man stays hot in L.A.
Ant-Man dominated the Portland Trail Blazers with 41 points on Wednesday, and I don’t expect him to slow down as a scorer against an inferior defense on Friday.
Dating back to last season’s playoffs, Edwards finished with at least 27 points in two of his last three matchups with the Lakers.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP
- Timberwolves -2.5
- Under 225
- Luka Doncic Over 4.5 turnovers
- Anthony Edwards Over 26.5 points
Timberwolves vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Minnesota -2.5 | Los Angeles +2.5
- Moneyline: Minnesota -140 | Los Angeles +120
- Over/Under: Over 225 | Under 225
Timberwolves vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Timberwolves have covered in three straight head-to-head matchups with the Lakers. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Lakers.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, October 24, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Timberwolves vs Lakers latest injuries
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