The Minnesota Timberwolves look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead as they host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a pivotal Game 4 showdown at Target Center this Sunday afternoon.
After seizing control with a decisive 116-104 victory in Game 3 behind Jaden McDaniels' 30-point performance and Anthony Edwards' clutch late-game heroics, Minnesota's swarming defense forced 19 Lakers turnovers and closed on a dominant 13-1 run to secure the win.
With Luka Dončić battling through illness and LeBron James coming off a historic 38-point performance, the Lakers face a must-win situation to avoid the brink of elimination against a Timberwolves team that's proven they can lock down defensively when it matters most.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers matchup, our predictive model gives the Wolves a 58% chance of defeating the Lakers.
Minnesota Timberwolves: 58% win probability
- Superior defensive efficiency (8962 points allowed vs Lakers' 9198)
- Strong home court advantage (49-33 overall record translates to better home performance)
- Better recent form (WWWLW compared to Lakers' LWWLW)
Los Angeles Lakers: 42% win probability
- Defensive vulnerability (9198 points allowed, significantly higher than Wolves)
- Road performance issues (50-32 overall but worse record expected away from home)
- Inconsistent recent form (LWWLW showing volatility in performance)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model brings together insights from top NBA experts. Instead of searching through countless expert analyses online, you can rely on our predictions to capture the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing expert picks, data, and trends, while our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. These confidence levels are then averaged to generate an 'expert opinion' win probability—providing a data-driven reflection of the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NBA analysts.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds
Here are the latest odds for the NBA matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the Timberwolves hosting at home on Sunday, April 27.
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Los Angeles Lakers | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -140 (via Caesars Sportsbook) | +130 (via bet365 US) |
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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers preview
The Lakers find themselves in a perilous position after Minnesota's commanding 116-104 victory in Game 3 pushed them to a 2-1 series deficit heading into a crucial Sunday matchup at Target Center.
LeBron James delivered a historic 38-point performance in the loss, setting a new playoff scoring record for players 40+ years old, but received minimal support as the Lakers collapsed during a decisive 13-1 Timberwolves run to close the game.
Minnesota's balanced attack overwhelmed Los Angeles, with Jaden McDaniels exploding for 30 points while Anthony Edwards dominated down the stretch with 29 points, including seven in the final minutes.
The Lakers' chances likely hinge on a healthier Luka Dončić bouncing back from his illness-hampered Game 3 showing where he struggled to just 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting with five turnovers.
With their backs against the wall, the desperation is palpable for a Lakers squad that can't afford to return to Los Angeles facing a 3-1 deficit against a Timberwolves team that's proven remarkably clutch in late-game situations.
Key stats
- 1Lakers sit 3rd in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record, showing inconsistent recent form of LWWLW
- 2Timberwolves hold the 6th position in the West with a similar 49-33 record, just one game behind the Lakers
- 3Minnesota has displayed stronger recent form than the Lakers, winning 4 of their last 5 games (WWWLW)
- 4The Timberwolves' defense has been notably stronger, allowing 8,962 points compared to the Lakers' 9,198 points against
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers form
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers head to head
Minnesota Timberwolves
40%
Los Angeles Lakers
60%
Apr 27, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves
0 : 0
Los Angeles Lakers
Apr 26, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves
116 : 104
Los Angeles Lakers
Apr 23, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers
94 : 85
Minnesota Timberwolves
Apr 20, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers
95 : 117
Minnesota Timberwolves
Feb 28, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers
111 : 102
Minnesota Timberwolves
Dec 14, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves
97 : 87
Los Angeles Lakers
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