The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet for Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The game will take place at the Target Center on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 9:30 PM. Fans can watch the action on ESPN.
The Lakers come into this game with a series tie of 1-1. In their last game, they secured a win against the Timberwolves with a score of 94-85. Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 31 points, while LeBron James added 21 points. In Game 1, the Lakers faced a loss, scoring 95 points against the Timberwolves’ 117.
The Timberwolves also have a 1-1 series record. They won Game 1 against the Lakers, scoring 117 points. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels played key roles in that victory. However, they lost Game 2 with 85 points. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards were the top performers in that game.
Timberwolves Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. Their postseason record stands at 1-1. They have not played a home game yet in this round. Head Coach Chris Finch leads the team.
In the regular season, the Timberwolves had a record of 49-33. They ranked 6th in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Northwest Division. Their home record was 25-16, and they went 8-2 in their last 10 games of the regular season.
Anthony Edwards has been a key player for the Timberwolves. In the postseason, he averages 23.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Julius Randle also contributes with 21.5 points and 5.5 assists per game.
The Timberwolves have strong defensive stats. They allow 94.5 points per game, ranking 2nd in the league. They also rank 2nd in field goal percentage allowed at 42.4%. Their defense is a significant part of their game strategy.
Lakers Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the Western Conference First Round of the NBA Playoffs. They have played two games so far, with a record of 1-1. Their home record is also 1-1, and they have not played any away games yet. The team is led by head coach JJ Redick.
In the regular season, the Lakers had a record of 50-32. They performed well at home with a 31-10 record. Their away record was 19-22. The team ranked 3rd in the Western Conference and 1st in the Pacific Division.
Offensively, the Lakers scored an average of 94.5 points per game, ranking 19th in the league. They had a field goal percentage of 42.4, placing them 17th. The team excelled in free throw shooting, leading the league with a 94.4% success rate.
Defensively, the Lakers allowed 101.0 points per game, ranking 6th. They were strong in steals, averaging 4.5 per game, which was 2nd in the league. The team also ranked well in rebounds, allowing only 39.0 per game, placing them 5th.
Statistical Breakdown for Timberwolves vs Lakers
The game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers will likely be shaped by defense and shooting. The Timberwolves have a strong defense, allowing only 94.5 points per game, while the Lakers have been effective in free throw shooting, leading the league at 94.4%. Both teams have similar field goal percentages, but the Timberwolves have an edge in three-point shooting. Rebounding will also be key, as both teams are close in rebounds per game.
- Timberwolves Points Per Game: 101.0 (16th)
- Lakers Points Per Game: 94.5 (19th)
- Timberwolves Field Goal Percentage: 44.8 (13th)
- Lakers Field Goal Percentage: 42.4 (17th)
- Timberwolves Three Point Percentage: 38.8 (6th)
- Lakers Free Throw Percentage: 94.4 (1st)
- Timberwolves Points Per Game Allowed: 94.5 (2nd)
- Lakers Points Per Game Allowed: 101.0 (6th)
- Timberwolves Rebounds Per Game: 39.0 (15th)
- Lakers Rebounds Per Game: 39.5 (14th)
Betting Insights
The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have both shown mixed results against the spread (ATS) in the 2025 postseason. The Lakers have a balanced ATS record, while the Timberwolves have struggled slightly more. Both teams have consistently hit the under in their postseason games. Below are the top betting trends for this game.
- The Lakers have a 1-1 ATS record in the 2025 postseason.
- The Timberwolves have a 1-1 ATS record in the 2025 postseason.
- Both teams have hit the under in all their postseason games.
- The Lakers have a 2-game under streak in the postseason.
- The Timberwolves also have a 2-game under streak in the postseason.
Free Betting Prediction for Timberwolves vs Lakers
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a strong defense, which could be a key factor in this game. They allow only 94.5 points per game, ranking them 2nd in the league. Playing at home for the first time in this series might give them an additional boost. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are expected to lead the team offensively.
The Los Angeles Lakers will rely on their free throw shooting, where they lead the league at 94.4%. Their defense is also strong, allowing 101.0 points per game. The Lakers have struggled on the road with a 19-22 record in the regular season. However, they have players who can make a difference in tight games.
Given the Timberwolves’ strong home record and defensive stats, they have a slight edge in this game. The Lakers’ road struggles might continue, especially against a team that defends well. The game is likely to be low-scoring, with both teams hitting the under in their previous postseason games.
- Our Free Prediction: Timberwolves -3.0
