The banged up Minnesota Timberwolves continue their three game road set tonight with a stop at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The Timberwolves and Lakers will square off in the second game of an NBA TNT double-header (10:30pm ET start time). The latest NBA Odds are favoring the hosting Lakers at -10 against the spread; the game total is set at 205.5 points. Minnesota and Los Angeles are drawing +500 and -640 moneyline odds, respectively.
At one point this season the Timberwolves were playing decent basketball and their 16-15 record reflected as much; however, those days are long gone with little hope of returning.
Injuries have resulted in a huge drop off for Minnesota as it enters tonight’s contest on a 4-19 run that has brought its record to 20-34 overall.
The Timberwolves have not lost their fighting spirit, though, particularly of late. Minnesota is 2-4 in its last six games and three of the four losses came by four or fewer points.
The Lakers, despite a 119-108 loss at Denver on Monday, have trended in the opposite direction. Los Angeles owned a 17-24 record on January 21st, but has won 11 of its last 17 games to draw within two games of .500.
The opposing direction of these two teams has, perhaps, served to give basketball bettors some line value in tonight’s game, though. While the Lakers are ‘improving’, they are not a dominant team, at least not yet, as only two of their last 11 wins have come by 10 or more points.
Notable Trend(s): The Timberwolves are 2-10 straight up but 8-4 against the spread over the last two years playing as a road dog off one day rest and a road loss.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Odds:
Minnesota Timberwolves +10 (-110), Over 205.5 (-110), +500 (Moneyline)
Los Angeles Lakers -10 (-110), Under 205.5 (-110), -640 (Moneyline)
NBA Free Picks: Minnesota Timberwolves at LA Lakers Betting
What NBA bettors need to know about Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday (2/28/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Bryan Leonard, with host Steve Fezzik.