The Los Angeles Lakers continue their three-game road trip with a night showcase against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
The Lakers are dealing with some covid issues heading into the game as four players in total have put into the league’s health and safety protocols. The Lakers had three players in protocol last game but Malik Monk has tested out of the protocol. Russell Westbrook, Avery Bradley, Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard are all on the list.
In order to add some roster depth, the Lakers signed Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract with the hardship provision. It feels like a waste of time to get excited about Thomas being a Laker, but some fans are legitimately excited.
It has not been announced whether or not Thomas will play on Friday against the Timberwolves, although it is more than likely that he will. Either way, it is not going to have a huge impact on the betting lines.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Timberwolves odds, spread, over/under:
Vegas does not know what to do with this game because of the Lakers’ current covid situation as this has been dubbed as a pick ’em. Neither the Lakers nor the Timberwolves have been given credit as favorites in this game.
The over/under for the game has been placed at 221.5 points. So while Vegas does not know who is going to win, they certainly think it is going to be a high-scoring game.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Timberwolves prediction:
Look, I know that the Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with covid issues and that they have already lost to the Timberwolves this season. The Lakers also have not been able to be trusted against the spread, as they continually prove to be one of the worst teams to bet on this season.
All that being said, this is still a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and quite frankly, Davis should play much better with Westbrook out of this game. Davis has played pretty poorly this season and a big reason why is because he simply is not a great fit next to Russell Westbrook.
It has been a while since we have seen a vintage Anthony Davis game and I think that is exactly what we are going to get tonight. I am going to take the Lakers and over 221.5 points with a final score prediction of Lakers 115, Timberwolves 111.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Timberwolves TV channel:
This is a nationally-televised game (the second in a row for the Lakers) and will be aired on ESPN. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. Pacific.
Los Angeles Lakers schedule and upcoming games:
The Lakers complete their three-game road trip with a night game against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. That game was moved back and was originally going to be a Sunday matinee game. Instead, tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. Pacific.
The Lakers then return for a three-game homestand that leads them into their Christmas Day matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.