The Western Conference is extremely competitive this season, and as it currently stands, both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers are on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. Both teams are hoping to get hot and thrust themselves back into postseason seeding. The T-Wolves will hit the road this week to face off against the Lakers in a game that could be a competitive contest.
Minnesota has hovered around .500 this year, but even though it is on the road and with the inferior record, a win in this one is possible because of the Los Angeles injury situation. The Lakers have dropped off badly without LeBron James in the lineup and could really use a victory in this showdown in NBA gambling.
This NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
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Odds Analysis
The Timberwolves are 22-24 on the season. They have not looked good on the road this season with only six wins in 22 attempts. Minnesota has talent but the season started off on the wrong note when star Jimmy Butler demanded a trade and coach Tom Thibodeau was recently fired. The T-Wolves are looking to get beyond that turbulence and make the playoffs.
The Lakers have a mark of 25-23 on the year. They have lost two in a row to fall out of the top eight seeds in the West. Los Angeles has been good at home with a record of 15-10, although the majority of those wins have come with LeBron James leading the way in NBA odds.
Injury Report
James has a groin strain that has kept him out since he suffered the injury on Christmas Day against the Warriors. He is starting to ramp up but there has been no indication that he will be ready to return for this game. Keep an eye on his status because if James can play, it’s a huge development that would likely switch the Lakers from underdogs to favorites.
Los Angeles point guard Lonzo Ball sprained his ankle recently and is projected to miss several weeks. He has been up and down this year but was a key piece that will hurt the team’s depth. Rajon Rondo is trying to make his way back to the lineup while dealing with a hand injury, but he may miss this game, too.
The Lakers have some serious injury issues and it’s imperative for gamblers to know who is in and who is out before the game.
Player To Watch
Brandon Ingram -- The Lakers are so thin on point guards that the Los Angeles forward is expected to start there until Rondo or James can get back. Ingram is a talented player but is not built for point guard so it seems likely the Timberwolves will put a lot of pressure on him when Ingram is handling the ball.
The Lakers’ lack of depth at point guard could be an issue in the halfcourt in this matchup.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Lakers are desperately trying to stay afloat in the West without James, and this is the type of toss-up game that would be a huge win. However, the T-Wolves will have more talent on the floor unless the Lakers can get some players back healthy.
Minnesota is the choice to capture this matchup. Keep an eye on where the spread checks in for NBA wagering. The scoring might not be super high for the Lakers because of their personnel issues.
NBA ATS Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves 107, Los Angeles Lakers 99
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