NBA Playoffs Round 1 – Game 2: Timberwolves vs. Lakers (April 22, 2025)
Can the Timberwolves Smack Down the Lakers Again?
Minnesota didn’t just pull off an upset, no, sir. They owned Game 1 and worked LA. The Lakers looked out of sync, outworked, and outgunned from the second quarter on. Now they’re down 0–1 at home, and Los Angeles has to regroup before the series goes north. FanDuel has them favored by 5.5 points, but the Timberwolves have already shown that they have no interest in playing the part of underdog.
Game 1 Recap: Timberwolves’ Statement Win
Game 1 was all Minnesota. They were efficient, aggressive, and looked like a well-oiled machine that was unfazed by it all.
- Anthony Edwards filled the stat sheet: 22 points, 9 assists, 8 boards, and all of the control.
- Jaden McDaniels LIT IT UP with 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting, which is pretty much flawless.
- Naz Reid came off the bench firing—he dropped 23 and stretched the floor.
- Minnesota’s bench literally ran laps around the Lakers’: 43–8 scoring difference.
- The Wolves hit 21 of 42 from the deep, getting clean looks all thanks to ball movement and patient decision-making.
Current Betting Odds, Line Movement, & Betting Preview
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Timberwolves | +5.5 (-110) | +200 | Over 210.5 (-110) |
Lakers | -5.5 (-110) | -245 | Under 210.5 (-110) |
FanDuel’s latest numbers show the books still siding with the home team, but Game 1 did rattle a few of the line models.
Yesterday Betting Odds
- Spread: Lakers -5.5
- Over/Under: 213.5 points
- Moneyline: Lakers -245, Timberwolves +200
Prediction: A lot of projections still expect a tight contest, and some are favoring Minnesota covering again, especially if their bench stays as hot.
Key Matchups to Watch
Game 2 is going to come down to who is able to adapt better and which main matchups break open first.
- Anthony Edwards vs. Lakers’ defense: He had the ball on a string in Game 1. L.A. has to send an SOS or risk another takeover.
- LeBron James and Luka Dončić: They combined for 56 points, but also combined for 10 turnovers. They have to clean things up and dictate the pace early on in the game.
- Bench play: The Lakers’ second unit looked really flat. If they can’t find contributors outside the starting five, they’ll just be chasing again.
Player Prop Bets to Think about
If you’re scanning FanDuel for some extra value, there are a few props that are worth watching for in Game 2!
- Anthony Edwards: Over 25.5 points: He’s been locked in, and the volume’s definitely going to be there.
- Luka Dončić: Under 30.5 points: He’ll get his shots, but the Wolves could force him into tougher looks and a lot more playmaking.
- Austin Reaves: Over 4.5 assists: Reaves is one of the few Lakers who’s been steady with the ball. If their offense finds its sweet spot, he could be a silent facilitator.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers are already stuck in must-win territory. If they fall into a 0–2 hole before going to Minnesota? That’s gonna change everything. The Timberwolves now have their chance to put the pedal to the metal and make this series theirs. You can expect to see more physicality, more adjustments, and a Lakers team that knows there’s very little room for error.
