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Lakers vs Timberwolves: Can LA improve on the road?
The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night at the Target Center, hoping to add another win that will keep them on top of the Western Conference.
The Lakers are just over .500
The Los Angeles Lakers are eighth in the Western Conference with a 17-15 record. They are only 6-11 on the road and have won 4 of the last 10 games. After losing to the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day, the Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 133-112. LeBron James is the top scorer on the team, averaging 25.1 points per game, and he also adds 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.
Can the Wolves stay on top of the West?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are on top of the Western Conference with a 23-7 record. They have an impressive 13 wins in 14 home games and have won 7 of the last 10 games. The Timberwolves are coming off a 118-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Anthony Edwards scored a season-high 44 points against the Mavs. He leads the Timberwolves with 25.9 points per game, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns, who has 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
Betting Trends
The Timberwolves are 12-3 straight up in their last 15 games. They are also 11-2 straight up in their last 13 games when playing at home against the Lakers and 6-0 straight up in the last six home games overall.
Player to watch
The three-time defensive player of the year, Rudy Gobert, will have a key role in this game, defending Anthony Davis of the Lakers. Gobert is the third-best scorer on the Wolves team, averaging 12.9 rebounds per game, and he is fourth in the league with 12 rebounds per game.
Injury Reports
Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish are out for the Lakers while Minnesota will be without Jaylen Clark.
Prediction and Conclusion
Two months into the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are still on top of the Western Conference. Many believed that they would not be able to keep up the pace, but now the Timberwolves have proved that they are for real this season. They have lost only one of 14 home games and will have a chance to add another win when the Los Angeles Lakers visit Target Center on Saturday. The Lakers have lost 4 of their last 5 games when visiting Minnesota, and knowing how well Anthony Edwards has played lately, the Timberwolves are favorites to win this one as well.
