Yet another big game in the NBA tonight as the Lakers travel to Minnesota in a top of the class meet-up. The Timberwolves are the second-best team in the association behind the Celtics by record, currently at 20-6. The Lakers, after winning the first-ever In-Season Tournament, have been 1-4 since, including losses to the Bulls and Spurs. Their city rivals Clippers are, on the other hand, having an absolutely hot streak, winning 7 straight. The Lakers now find themselves in the Western Conference Play-In spots, a game-and-a-half behind Dallas. The real question is: can the Lakers avoid those Play-In spots and qualify directly to the Playoffs this season? And will the Wolves manage to sustain their majestic first part of the season?
Both sides are not new to Playoff basketball, but among the two, it is Minnesota who have surprised all. The fit with Gobert and Towns in the Center and Power-Forward positions is working like a charm, as Minnesota have the best defensive rating in the league so far. Match that to the offensive explosiveness of Anthony Edwards, averaging 25 a game, and you’ve got a fantastic squad. The Wolves have been especially great at home, where their record currently stands at 11-1.
The Lakers will have a tough time in Minnesota no doubt, but if Lebron has recently demonstrated anything, its to never count him out. In fact, keep in mind that he is averaging the same points-per-game as Edwards, with more assists and rebounds too. The key in this matchup will be Anthony Davis’s performance: if Towns and Gobert keep him relatively quiet, it may be a long night for the Lakers. We have the Timberwolves winning this top of the class meet-up, and extending their lead at the top of the Western Conference.
