Free NBA Pick: Timberwolves vs. Lakers NBA Odds
Looking for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Timberwolves taking on the Lakers on Sunday, January 2nd, 2022 at Staples Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Timberwolves Lakers matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(16-19) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers (18-19)
Date: Sunday, January 2nd, 2022
Time: 9:30 PM EST
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Timberwolves +300 | Lakers -299 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Lakers -7.5
NBA Betting Total: 223.5
Sunday, January 2nd finds the Minnesota Timberwolves facing the Los Angeles Lakers for the third time this season. Minnesota won both prior meetings on November 12th (107-83) and December 17th (110-92).
Both teams played Friday with Minnesota losing 108-120 to the Jazz while the Lakers pummeled the shorthanded Blazers 139-106.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Although the injury report lists Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt as being in the conditioning stage of protocols the fact they played on Friday should equate to them participating Sunday unless the Wolves are trying to ease them back.
However, with Edwards scoring 26 points and playing over 30 minutes him sitting seems unlikely. Malik Beasley (22), Jaden McDaniels (12), Patrick Beverley (11), and Jaylen Nowell (10) were the other double-figure contributors.
The Wolves still feel like they are one trade away from being a legit playoff squad but prior to having COVID run through the squad were showing some signs of climbing upward. They rank 23rd offensively (107.3) which is odd because head coach Chris Finch’s prowess is offense.
The defensive improvement however is more compelling with the Wolves ranking 11th (108.2), a mark that isn’t indicative of their seasonal play given the last five games was when so many players were in quarantine.
The Wolves on the injury report are tied to the health and safety protocols with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns downgraded to missing the match on Sunday (although it’s notable they don’t appear on the CBS COVID tracker)
Taurean Prince and McKinley Wright IV are questionable (conditioning) while CBS notes hardship signee Greg Monroe is in quarantine.
Los Angeles Lakers
With 2022 here and the Lakers far from looking like a title contender be prepared for copious trade articles of unrealistic deals for Russell Westbrook. And I bring him up only because there aren’t other players the Lakers can shop with contracts large enough to merit a high-end return.
For now, they’ll have to suffice with Rajon Rondo being dealt to Cleveland for Denzel Valentine but is reality occurring so the Lakers can use the roster spot to sign Stanley Johnson who has performed well in his three games since signing a hardship deal.
Johnson witnessed growth in the Raptors system who are infamous for improving shooting strokes and improving defensive acumen. Those are both qualities the Lakers need so this move is an economical upgrade.
Seven players reached double-figures in the win versus Portland with LeBron James posting a double-double of 43 points and 14 rebounds and Westbrook registering a triple-double of 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Malik Monk (18), Carmelo Anthony (16), and the trio of Johnson, Austin Reaves, Talen Horton-Tucker chipping in 10 points each.
Anthony Davis (strained MCL) will miss at least a month to six weeks while Kendrick Nunn (knee) is out indefinitely.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Lakers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games.
- The Wolves are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of the Lakers’ last 5 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota’s last 12 games.
Free Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Prediction:
Expect LeBron to be amped up to get the win given the two prior losses to the Wolves and especially if KAT and Russell are out. Still, the Lakers have issues facing speedy, athletic, long teams and the Wolves even decimated, check off those boxes.
I like LA to win but the Wolves to keep it close and if things change with either of their stars clearing protocols all bets for LA winning are off.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Wolves +7.5
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