Lakers vs Timberwolves Prediction, NBA 24-25: The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 2 of their first-round NBA Playoffs matchup on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with tip-off scheduled for 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT.
After a disappointing loss in Game 1, the Lakers will look to regroup quickly and protect their home court before the series shifts to Minneapolis. Despite a star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Los Angeles struggled to find rhythm on both ends of the court in the series opener.

Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves showcased impressive composure and defensive toughness, stealing Game 1 on the road. With pressure mounting on the Lakers, Game 2 is shaping up to be a critical turning point in what’s already a heated series.
| Team | ATS Record | O/U Record | Avg. PPG | Opponent PPG | Record as Favorite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 44-38 | 41-41 | 113.4 | 112.2 | 36-14 (72%) |
| Timberwolves | 39-42-1 | 44-38 | 114.3 | 109.3 | 8-10 as underdog |
Both teams have exceeded the 210-point total in over 75% of their regular season games. The Lakers have struggled to cover when favored by 5.5 or more (12-14-1 ATS), while Minnesota has excelled as underdogs of similar margins (4-3 ATS).
| Date | Winner | Score | Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 20, 2025 | Timberwolves | 112-102 | Timberwolves +5.5 |
| Mar 10, 2025 | Timberwolves | 116-111 | Timberwolves +3 |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Lakers | 120-108 | Lakers -2.5 |
| Dec 22, 2024 | Timberwolves | 118-109 | Timberwolves +4 |
| Nov 14, 2024 | Lakers | 115-113 | Timberwolves +6.5 |
Minnesota leads the recent matchup record 3-2 and has covered the spread in 3 of the last 5 meetings.
| Player | Team | PPG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 27.6 | Primary scorer, dynamic finisher |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 24.4 | Veteran leader, playmaker |
| Austin Reaves | Lakers | 20.2 | Breakout scorer with versatility |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 18.7 | Reliable second option |
| Luka Dončić | Lakers | 28.2 | X-factor for the Lakers |
The Timberwolves’ Game 1 win has turned this series on its head. While the Lakers are slight favorites for Game 2, Minnesota's confidence and ability to score in bunches make them a dangerous underdog pick. With LeBron and Dončić needing to elevate their synergy and closeout strength, all eyes will be on the Lakers' response.
Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair that could go down to the wire. If the Timberwolves can maintain defensive intensity and limit second-chance opportunities, they stand a strong chance of pulling off a second straight upset.