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The LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves tipoff their 2024 NBA preseason on Friday night in Palm Springs. They are also on the opening night slate later this month. It's predicted to be an epic clash, seeing some of the league's best in action, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Anthony Edwards.
The Lakers enter this contest with a new coach in JJ Redick, who will take to the bench in this role for the first time in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have seen a major roster change just days before the preseason began as Karl-Anthony Towns got traded in a blockbuster deal to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction, Preview and Odds for 2024 NBA Preseason
Money Line: Lakers +130, Timberwolves -155
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Spread: Lakers +3.5 (-112), Timberwolves -3.5 (-108)
Total Over/Under: Lakers U218.5 (-110), Timberwolves O218.5 (-110)
Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game.
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
The LA Lakers tip off their preseason in a new era under coach JJ Redick, who comes in with no experience but tons of ideas that alter the team's system entirely. We could see a glimpse of the new Lakers that rely heavily on the 3-point shot and play more through play calling and structure over free offense.
Redick is already looking to have his entire team ready with available players to suit up in one of their first two preseason games, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are coming off a busy summer with Team USA. James and Davis won't be available Friday, though.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves shook the NBA after making a conference finals appearance last season by trading their longest-tenured player, Karl-Anthony Towns. Like the Lakers, they are in a transition, too, but only from an on-court personnel level.
Minnesota will not play Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle in the preseason opener.
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predicted Starting 5s
Lakers
PG- D'Angelo Russell, SG - Austin Reaves, SF - Max Christie, PF - Rui Hachimura, C - Jaxson Hayes
Timberwolves
PG- Mike Conley, SG - Donte DiVincenzo, SF - Jaden McDaniels, PF - Naz Reid, C - Rudy Gobert
Editor's note: This is a predicted lineup, which could change close to the game.
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Timberwolves are the favorites to win the preseason game with a -155 money line and -3.5-point spread. It's a close one, though, with oddsmakers placing the Lakers at +130. Preseason games can go either way, as most teams are only trying to get their legs and crucial reps. Meanwhile, coaches are expected to deploy an irregular rotation pattern.
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