by Rod Pearson
Monday, Mar 09, 2026
Game Time: 11:00 pm ET, Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Timberwolves -1.5, Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: 232.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Timberwolves -1.5, Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: 232.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Timberwolves -1.5, Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: 232.5 points
Season Record
Minnesota Timberwolves: 40-24 (2nd place, Northwest Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 39-25 (1st place, Pacific Division)
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Recent Form
Minnesota Timberwolves: 8-2 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 6-4 last 10
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Timberwolves are entering this game with a 40-24 record overall this season and they are 18-12 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Orlando Magic. Anthony Edwards led the team in points in that game with 34 while Julius Randle was next on the team with 14 points. Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland each led the team in assists in that game with 4 while Julius Randle led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 35.7% from the field, 22.5% from 3-point range, and 74.2% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 118.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 114.5 PPG against them. The Timberwolves have an ATS record of 27-37 this season and their O/U record is 30-34.
The Lakers are entering this game with a 39-25 record overall this season and they are 20-12 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 2 game winning streak with wins coming against the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. Luka Dončić led the team in points in that game with 35 while Austin Reaves was next on the team with 25 points. Austin Reaves led the team in assists in that game with 5 while Deandre Ayton and Luka Dončić each led the team in rebounds with 8. They were 43.2% from the field, 34.1% from 3-point range, and 83.3% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 115.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 115 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 35-29 this season and their O/U record is 33-31.
Timberwolves vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Timberwolves listed as a 1.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Timberwolves have looked good in their games this season with their 40-24 record overall which has them in the top half of the West. They have been a good road team too with their 18-12 road record this year. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked good in their games this season with their 39-25 record overall which has them in the top half of the West. They have looked good on their home court too with their 20-12 home record this season. The Lakers have looked good lately as they are 6-4 in their last 10 games and they have some momentum on their side with 2 wins in a row now. They are off a nice win over the Knicks in their last one, but now they are missing a key player in the lineup, LeBron James, and they have been really up and down against contenders all season. The Timberwolves are definitely a contender in the West with the success that they have had over the last few years and they are going to be looking to bounce back in this one. They have been rolling lately too, going 8-2 in their last 10 games as they are starting to get hot now, but they are off a terrible home loss to the Magic in their last one and they were embarrassed in that one. They will bring their best effort for the Lakers to bounce back, especially with LeBron possibly missing time now, so look for the Timberwolves to get back on track with a win here. The best way to place a bet here is on the Timberwolves to cover the spread in this game.
Timberwolves Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (11:00 pm ET start time) is Timberwolves 123 Lakers 117.
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NBA Betting Trends
Minnesota Timberwolves: 3-6 ATS after a blowout loss by 20 points or more. 5-9 ATS against Pacific division opponents. 20-31 ATS as a favorite. 6-3 OVER after a blowout loss by 20 points or more.
Los Angeles Lakers: 11-4 ATS off an upset win as a home underdog. 32-21 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 11-6 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 230. 25-15 OVER off an upset win as an underdog.
Key Injuries
Minnesota Timberwolves: K. Anderson (SF) Day To Day - Knee.
Los Angeles Lakers: L. James (SF) Day To Day - Elbow.
Notable Quotes
“I thought the effort was there, largely. I just thought there was a lot of gameplan breakdowns that really hurt us. They may have looked like lack of effort plays, but they were more, I think, mental lapses more than physical efforts.” - Chris Finch after his team’s loss against the Magic in their game on Saturday.
“I’m not in a position where I can’t overreact. You guys do that. The fans rightfully so should always overreact. It’s what makes fandom so awesome. My job is not to overreact. We’re 15-9 in our last 24. We’re top-10 offense and top-15 defense. Like, that’s what we wanted to be coming into the season with this group, and that’s where our group is right now.” - J.J. Redick after his team’s win against the Knicks in their game on Sunday.
Starting Lineups
Minnesota Timberwolves
PG Donte DiVincenzo
SG Anthony Edwards
SF Jaden McDaniels
PF Julius Randle
C Rudy Gobert
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Marcus Smart
PF Maxi Kleber
C Deandre Ayton
Statistical Leaders
Minnesota Timberwolves
PPG: Anthony Edwards (29.6)
APG: Julius Randle (5.3)
Reb/G: Rudy Gobert (11.4)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: Luka Doncic (32.5)
APG: Luka Doncic (8.4)
Reb/G: Deandre Ayton (8.2)
Coaches:
Minnesota Timberwolves: Chris Finch (6th season)
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (2nd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
