The Minnesota Timberwolves will host a belligerent Los Angeles Lakers, who have been making all the right noises as their regular season draws to a close and the playoff race in the West heats up.
The hosts lost their previous game to a beefed-up Phoenix Suns and are now placed eighth in the standings with a 39-38 record. On the other hand, the Lakers had their payback against the Chicago Bulls with one of their city’s very own, Anthony Davis doing it for LA with a dominant 38-point performance.
With LeBron James back and D’Angelo Russell back in the fold, the full-strength Lakers had no issue blowing out the Bulls 121-110. Now, they will hope to repeat a similar performance against the Timberwolves, who have been playing some decent ball to get to where they are in the season so far.
The return of Karl-Anthony Towns for Minnesota comes as a plus as it bolsters their offensive end, but they will have a tough time outpacing the Lakers, who seem like an entirely different unit after the trade deadline.
On that note, here’s a quick look at the predicted starters, the injury reports, and the predictions ahead of the Friday blockbuster.
Minnesota Timberwolves Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Timberwolves have some names in the questionable column with Jayson Nowell, Taurean Prince, Austin Rivers, and former Laker Matt Ryan. Edwards and Towns are listed as probable, while center Naz Reid is ruled out of the matchup.
Mike Conley (G), Anthony Edwards (G), Jaden MacDaniels (F), Karl-Anthony Towns (F), and Rudy Gobert (C) will be the probable starters for the Wolves.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers have some familiar names on their injury list, with LeBron James (Ankle) listed as questionable. Anthony Davis is on the probable category. But both these players are likely to suit up. Mo Bamba continues to be on the sidelines.
Expect LA to go with the same unit as their last clash against the Bulls. D’Angelo Russell (G), Austin Reaves (G), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
For the Purple and Gold, much depends on how James and Davis fare considering the team is inching close to getting a grip on the playoff berth. Two, they will have the added motivation of getting back the Wolves for beating them in their last two matchups.
Not to mention, Russell and Malik Beasley will be eager to get the better of their former side for trading them. The Towns-Edwards-Gobert trio will have their work cut out if the familiar faces go hot over the course of the game.
The Lakers come in as favorites given James’ return, and since he’s already into his third game after injury on Friday, expect him to show less rust than his previous outing. We’d back the Lakers to come good on this one.
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