Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves bring a two-game winning streak back to Target Center as they prepare to take on the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers with ease at Staples Center back on Nov. 12. That version of the Lakers did not have LeBron James available and mustered only 83 points in a blowout loss.

This time around, James will be available. Anthony Davis will be on the floor, too. But much of the supporting cast, including Russell Westbrook, Avery Bradley, Dwight Howard, and Talen Horton-Tucker, will be unavailable due to health and safety protocols. (Update: Westbrook is now apparently available.)

But just when things looked like they could be a bit easier for the Wolves, news came down that both Anthony Edwards and Taurean Prince would miss the game due to health and safety protocols. So there’s that.

The Wolves are coming off a successful road trip, having beaten the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets to snap what had been a five-game losing streak. They’re finally healthy again, too, with D’Angelo Russell absent from the injury report after missing three games and being listed as questionable prior to both road wins.

The Lakers have played much better of late, winning their last three games to improve their record to 16-13. Last time out, they beat the Dallas Mavericks on an overtime buzzer-beater from undrafted rookie Austin Reaves.

A quick programming note: don’t miss the 9 p.m. CT start time, despite the game being played in Minneapolis. This is due to ESPN adding the game to their national schedule a couple of weeks ago.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The line over at WynnBet is currently a pick ’em, likely due to the ever-evolving COVID-19-related situation for both teams.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers

• Tip-off: 9:00 CT
• Television: ESPN, Bally Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options

What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Timberwolves actually match up fairly well against the Lakers.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Davis have had solid battles over the years, but the Wolves superstar big man has often outperformed The Brow. As long as Towns can stay out of foul trouble, the Wolves can win that matchup.

James is a problem, of course, but there aren’t many other (healthy) Lakers players that should strike fear in the Wolves.

L.A. is a bottom-10 rebounding unit on both ends of the floor, so the Wolves should be able to avoid getting manhandled on the glass as they do on some nights, and second-chance points should be a reality on the other end of the floor.

The Lakers’ defensive unit is similar to the Wolves in that they generate a fair amount of turnovers and block a lot of shots, and they are also prone to committing plenty of fouls and allowing a parade to the free throw line.

If the Wolves can get out and run and make open shots — even if it isn’t at the insane clip that they hit on in Wednesday’s win over Denver — then they should be just fine against a shorthanded Lakers squad.

Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers

At long last, the Wolves are completely healthy. Let’s keep it that way.

Talk about a jinx. Moments after typing the prior, crossed-out sentence, Edwards and Prince were declared out due to health and safety protocols.

The Lakers are without Horton-Tucker, Howard, and Bradley due to health and safety protocols. Both James and Davis are listed as probable and are expected to play.

We’ll be back after the game with key takeaways and player grades. Enjoy Friday night hoops, and here’s to 14-15!