Do the Thunder have what it takes to reach the Finals?
Oklahoma City has the pieces—but do they have the experience to win three playoff series?
The Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves could easily be a conference finals matchup. Instead, it’s a first-round Western Conference playoff series involving two teams who have recent conference finals history.
The Lakers lost to Denver in the 2023 conference finals, and the Timberwolves lost to Dallas in last year’s conference finals.
Both teams look slightly different from a roster perspective after making major trades. The Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle before the season, and the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic in February in one of the most stunning trades in NBA history.
This is also JJ Redick’s first playoff series as a head coach.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves preview
How Lakers will win: The Lakers will rely on LeBron James and Doncic, plus another strong playmaker in Austin Reaves, to break down Minnesota’s defense.
How Timberwolves will win: Limiting James and Doncic is not an easy task, especially in transition, but that along with making other Lakers players make tough shots are the answers. Plus, Anthony Edwards needs an All-NBA performance.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves key stat
- Lakers: James and Donic each averaged at least 24.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves players to watch
- Luka Doncic, Lakers: A lot of eyes are on Doncic following the trade from Dallas. His playoff performance will be watched closely considering the Mavs essentially said they can’t win a title with him.
- Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves: Edwards helped push the Timberwolves to the conference finals last season. The All-NBA guard had another terrific season as he seeks more postseason success.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves predictions
- Lorenzo Reyes: Lakers in seven
- Heather Tucker: Lakers in five
- James Williams: Lakers in five
- Jeff Zillgitt: Lakers in seven
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves schedule
- Game 1: Timberwolves at Lakers | Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. | ABC
- Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers | Tuesday, April 22, 10 p.m. | TNT
- Game 3: Lakers at Timberwolves | Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
- Game 4: Lakers at Timberwolves | Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. | ABC
- Game 5: Timberwolves at Lakers | Wednesday, April 30, TBD | TBD*
- Game 6: Lakers at Timberwolves | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD*
- Game 7: Timberwolves at Lakers | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD*
All times Eastern. *-if necessary
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves season series
The Lakers and Timberwolves split the season series 2-2.
- Oct. 22: Lakers 110, Timberwolves 103
- Dec. 2: Timberwolves 109, Lakers 80
- Dec. 13: Timberwolves 97, Lakers 87
- Feb. 27: Lakers 111, Timberwolves 102
