Two Western Conference powerhouses battle it out on Friday, as Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves visit Crypto.com Arena and hosts Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are still winless as superstar LeBron James is still nursing an injury, so the big question is, will he be playing?
“The King” was out during the Lakers’ opening game loss to Steph Curry and the visiting Golden State Warriors, with Luka Doncic putting a valiant effort despite the loss. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been off to a good start, with Edwards dropping 41 against the Portland Trailblazers during their own season opener, and they did it on the road.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Injury Report:
The Minnesota Timberwolves are all healthy, with no injuries reported.
LA Lakers Injury Report
- LeBron James (Out) – Sciatica
- Max Kiebler (Out) – Oblique
- Adou Thiero (Out) – Knee
Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Depth Chart
Minnesota Timberwolves Depth Chart:
| Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
| PG | Donte DiVincenzo | Mike Conley | Bones Hyland | Rob Dillingham | Anthony Edwards |
| SG | Anthony Edwards | Jaylen Clark | Donte DiVincenzo | Terrence Shannon Jr. | Bones Hyland |
| SF | Jaden McDaniels | Jaylen Clark | Terrence Shannon Jr. | Donte DiVincenzo | Joe Ingles |
| PF | Julius Randle | Naz Reid | Jaden McDaniels | Joe Ingles | Leonard Miller |
| C | Rudy Gobert | Naz Reid | Joan Beringer | Rocco Zikarsky | Julius Randle |
Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart
| Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
| PG | Luka Doncic | Gabe Vincent | Austin Reaves | Bronny James | Marcus Smart |
| SG | Austin Reaves | Marcus Smart | Gabe Vincent | Dalton Knecht | Bronny James |
| SF | Rui Hachimura | Jake LaRavia | Dalton Knecht | Austin Reaves | Adou Thiero O |
| PF | LeBron James O | Jarred Vanderbilt | Rui Hachimura | Jake LaRavia | Maxi Kleber O |
| C | Deandre Ayton | Jaxson Hayes | Maxi Kleber O | Christian Koloko | Jarred Vanderbilt |
Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers Prediction
Coming into this game on Friday, the Minnesota Timberwolves currently have all the momentum, as the LA Lakers still has several injuries to deal with after losing to the Warriors at home. This is reflected in the betting odds, as as the Timberwolves are the -1.5 (+100) betting favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Lakers are the 1.5 (-120) underdogs.
Even though the Lakers hold the homecourt advantage and Luka Doncic is still in peak condition, the Timberwolves have the momentum and their stars are healthier, so this one should go to Minnesota.
Related:
‘It Always Comeback to Him’: Former NBA Star Throws Shade at LeBron James Over Cooper Flagg Remarks
‘Will Feed the Nation’: Lakers Fans React As Adou Thiero Joins Luca Doncic, LeBron James and Co.
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