Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 1/24/19 Predictions & Odds

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Prediction

The banged-up Los Angeles Lakers are only a small underdog to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night at Staples Center. Even though the Timberwolves have struggled on the road this season, are they a good bet to cover the small number tonight?

Game Snapshot

563 Minnesota Timberwolves at 564 Los Angeles Lakers

10:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, January 24, 2019

Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Our NBA Live Odds page pulls spreads and totals from multiple different online sportsbooks so you can compare betting odds to ensure you’re getting the best line.

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook BetNow.eu, the Timberwolves are 1.5-point favorites to beat the Lakers. The total, meanwhile, sits at 228.5 points and as of this writing, 51% of the public betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Timberwolves to cover the point spread.

Minnesota Timberwolves Fantasy Spin

Derrick Rose made a start at point guard in a blowout 118-91 win over the Suns on Tuesday, scoring six points with one rebound, five assists, one steal and one turnover in just 23 minutes. Thanks to garbage time, Rose wasn't needed for the final 16:16 with the Wolves able to extend their lead from 82-66 at that point. After Sunday when Rose played 38 minutes, coach Ryan Saunders had mentioned that he had to check with the medical staff about playing Rose so much. Plus, Rose himself said his ankle and heel issues were not 100% as of Sunday night. He probably won't hit the upper 30s in minutes often, but Rose offers plenty of upside with Tyus Jones (ankle) and Jeff Teague (foot) on the sidelines.

Los Angeles Lakers Fantasy Spin

LeBron James (groin) will not play Thursday against the Wolves. He did go through parts of practice on Wednesday, so he is getting close. James did go through some 5-on-5 non-contact work this week, but the Lakers continue to draw this out to make sure he's 100%. The Lakers are off Friday and Saturday, so perhaps LeBron can suit up Sunday against the Suns at home. Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will benefit.

NBA Betting Trends

Minnesota

The Timberwolves are 3-9 at the betting window in their last 12 road games when facing an opponent with a winning home record.

Los Angeles

The Lakers are 6-2 against the number in their last eight games coming off a loss of more than 10 points.

Prediction

The Timberwolves are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last four games versus the Lakers and have covered the number in four of their last five games when playing on one day of rest. The Lakers are also just 1-4-1 against the spread in their last six home games, are 1-4-1 against the number in their last six games playing on two days of rest and are 7-15-2 ATS in their last 24 games versus an opponent with a losing record.

Thursday NBA Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5