Best first-round NBA playoff matchups
The For The Hoops crew discuss the most exciting first-round NBA playoff series, including Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Rockets vs. Warriors.
The 2025 NBA playoffs action is heating up with a Western Conference showdown between the No. 3 seeded Los Angeles Lakers and the No. 6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. The best-of-seven first round series is currently deadlocked at 1-1.
The Timberwolves secured a 117-95 victory in Game 1 against the Lakers, with Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards delivering stellar performances, combining for 47 points. The Lakers, however, bounced back in Game 2, evening the series after a 94-85 victory. Luka Doncic’s 31 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, along with Austin Reaves’ 16 points, were instrumental in the much-needed win.
The series now heads to the Target Center in Minneapolis for a pivotal Game 3. Here’s a look at picks and predictions, as well as the current odds, before Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves:
Lakers vs. Timberwolves predictions: Game 3 picks
The Athletic: Four out of seven experts pick Timberwolves
Staff writes: “In one of the bracket’s closest and most anticipated series thus far, LA remains a narrow favorite despite surrendering its home-court advantage. Minnesota is a small favorite as Friday’s host. LeBron James will need to lock in from long range, having converted just 2 of 10 in the two games in LA. He shot above 43% from 3 at home, but below 32% on the road.”
ESPN: Timberwolves have 50.1% chance to win
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a 50.1% chance to win Game 3, according to ESPN’s matchup predictor.
Action Network: Timberwolves
Joe Dellera writes: “The Timberwolves have been abysmal this season as a home favorite, going 14-22 ATS. However, this is their first home game of the postseason, and there should be a great atmosphere for the players. The Wolves have been the better team over the last month. Now they just need to secure home court. I’ll lay the points with Minnesota in Game 3.”
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 3 odds
The Minnesota Timberwolves are favorites to bounce back and win Game 3, according to BetMGM.
BetMGM odds as of Friday, April 25
- Spread: Timberwolves (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Timberwolves (-155); Lakers (+135)
- Over/under: 207.5
Lakers vs. Timberwolves series odds update
The Los Angeles Lakers are now the favorite to win their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, following their Game 2 victory that evened the series 1-1.
- Series winner: Timberwolves (+100); Lakers (-120)
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: NBA playoffs schedule, time, TV channel, live stream
Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
All times Eastern.
- Game 1: Timberwolves 117, Lakers 95
- Game 2: Lakers 94, Timberwolves 85
- Game 3: Lakers at Timberwolves | Friday, April 25 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo
- Game 4: Lakers at Timberwolves | Sunday, April 27 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo
- Game 5: Timberwolves at Lakers | Wednesday, April 30 | TBD
- Game 6: Lakers at Timberwolves | Friday, May 2 | TBD*
- Game 7: Timberwolves at Lakers | Sunday, May 4 | TBD*
