Lakers-Timberwolves Odds: Bet LeBron & Co. As Series Underdogs Before Game 2

On Saturday night, the underdog Timberwolves trounced the Lakers, taking a 1-0 series lead. As a result, Minnesota became the series favorite after Los Angeles was priced at -190 odds to advance to the conference semifinals entering Game 1. How should bettors approach this matchup moving forward? Let's assess Lakers vs. Timberwolves odds, including my series bet ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday evening.

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No. 3 lakers vs. No. 6 timerwolves: series odds before game 2

lakers vs. timberwolves game 2 odds: spread, moneyline, total

Will Lakers 'Rebound'?

Before this playoff series began, I believed Los Angeles held key advantages: it could space out Minnesota's rim-denial and pressure-centric defense and exploit its tendency to accrue scoring droughts. The Timberwolves defied this notion in Game 1, limiting the Lakers to 0.91 points per possession (PPP) while producing 1.52 PPP on spot-up jumpers. However, I expect the tide to turn the rest of the way.

With that in mind, a one-game sample shouldn't alter the series price as much as it has. Unless bettors anticipate Minnesota's red-hot shooting to continue, there's value in wagering on L.A. to win the series at +112 or better.

As of this publication, the Lakers' best series odds (+114) are available at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Why Series Perception Will Shift

After the trade deadline, Luka Doncic and Co. tallied the league's third-highest corner 3-point frequency, compared to just nine attempts in Game 1. When Doncic and the Mavericks exposed the Timberwolves' kryptonite last postseason, they limited their turnovers and dissected Minnesota's havoc-driven defense with open corner threes late in the possession.

Granted, the Lakers' offense struggled to generate similar looks. Nevertheless, as noted, market overreactions are common in a best-of-seven series. J.J. Reddick's five-out attack, with LeBron James in the point-forward role, is built to accumulate those shots, limiting Rudy Gobert's effectiveness by forcing him to guard the perimeter or strapping him to the bench.

If L.A. manufactures enough corner threes, it should bounce back in Game 2 and beyond. To boot, the T-Wolves wouldn't string together nearly as many transition opportunities as they compiled in the opening tilt (16).

In turn, those scoreless stretches mentioned above will likely resurface. Whether you tail or fade this series bet, good luck with your wagers on Lakers vs. Timberwolves odds!

Related: Jayson Tatum Injury Update & Celtics vs. Magic Game 2 Odds

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