Facing elimination, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 5 of their 2025 NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series on Wednesday. The Timberwolves currently hold a significant 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series after securing a 116-113 victory in Game 4 on Sunday. Minnesota, entering the playoffs as the conference`s sixth seed with a 49-33 regular-season record, has shown solid form on the road, holding a 25-18 record away from home this season, including postseason play. The Lakers, who finished as the third seed in the West at 50-32, have maintained a strong presence on their home court throughout the 2024-2025 campaign, boasting a 32-11 record.
Game 5 is scheduled to tip off at 10 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Historically, Los Angeles has been successful against Minnesota in previous playoff series matchups, winning both prior encounters. For this critical game, the Lakers are currently listed as 5.5-point favorites according to the latest betting lines. The projected total points for the game is set at 209.5. On the money line, the Lakers have odds of -228, while the Timberwolves are listed at +188.
Here are some key odds and betting information for the Timberwolves vs. Lakers matchup:
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves spread: Los Angeles -5.5
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves over/under: 209.5 points
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves money line: Minnesota +188, Los Angeles -228
- MIN: The Timberwolves have hit the team total over in 33 of their last 50 games (+13.20 units)
- LAL: The Lakers have covered the spread in 23 of their last 33 home games (+12.00 units)
Why the Lakers can cover
A major contributor to Los Angeles` offensive efforts has been point guard Luka Doncic. Throughout the first four games of the series, Doncic has posted impressive averages of 30.8 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal, playing an average of 42 minutes per contest. In Sunday`s Game 4 loss, he led the team in scoring with 38 points, alongside two assists. He also neared a triple-double in the 94-85 Game 2 victory, where he recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
Small forward LeBron James has also delivered solid performances, marked by three consecutive double-doubles. In the recent loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday, he contributed 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and three steals. In the Game 3 loss (116-104), his performance included 38 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. Across his four playoff starts this year, James is averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and two steals while playing 40.8 minutes per game.
Why the Timberwolves can cover
For Minnesota, shooting guard Anthony Edwards has been particularly outstanding throughout this series. In their Game 4 victory on Sunday, he delivered an explosive performance with 43 points, in addition to nine rebounds and six assists. In the Game 3 win on Friday, he nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing the game with 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Across his four playoff starts, Edwards is averaging 29.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over 40.5 minutes per game.
Power forward Karl-Anthony Towns is another key player for Minnesota, consistently scoring in double figures. Across his four playoff starts, Towns has averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 39.3 minutes. In the Game 4 win on Sunday, he contributed 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. In the Game 2 loss, he put up 27 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Jasper Hawthorne