Additionally, even though this game tips off late, I'm not too concerned about that affecting the visiting side. The Timberwolves have had two days off since their last game and should be well rested entering this contest.
Timberwolves vs Lakers: Odds, Preview and Prediction: Take the T’Wolves
Written by: Danny Burke
Published: Tue Mar 10, 2026, 10:05 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nba
Make sure to brew that late cup of coffee if you're on the East Coast, because tipoff between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves is set for 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night.
Both teams have won five of their last six games, though the Lakers have handled business in both meetings against the Timberwolves this season, defeating them 128-110 at home in October and then edging Minnesota 116-115 five days later.
Can the Timberwolves finally get their first win against the Lakers, or is Los Angeles set up for another victory on Tuesday night? I'll share the game odds, preview and prediction below.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today's slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.
Matchup Information
Location: cyrpto.com Arena
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tipoff: 11:00 PM ET
Injury News and Notes
LeBron James – Questionable (elbow)
Kyle Anderson – Questionable (knee)
Timberwolves vs Lakers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | -2.5 (-110) | -139 | Over 233.5 (-112) |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +2.5 (-110) | +115 | Under 233.5 (-108) |
Timberwolves vs Lakers Preview
At this stage of the season, it's no surprise what the biggest weakness in this matchup is – the Lakers' defense.
Los Angeles ranks 26th in defensive effective field goal percentage and 20th in points per possession allowed. Conversely, Minnesota boasts an offense that ranks fourth and ninth in those respective categories.
A majority of the Timberwolves' shot attempts come from beyond the arc (39.1%). The Lakers rank 19th in opponent three-point field goal percentage (36.2%). Minnesota also takes a large portion of its shots at the rim, 32.4%, to be exact, which is the seventh-highest rate in the league. Meanwhile, the Lakers are a defensive liability near the basket, ranking 28th in opponent field goal percentage there (71.3%).
The Timberwolves also get the nod in transition play, sitting third in offensive points per play, while the Lakers rank 17th defensively.
Of course, Minnesota isn't flawless, though it does stack up better defensively. The Timberwolves rank seventh in both defensive points per possession and defensive effective field goal percentage. They can also counter Los Angeles' strengths relatively well. The Lakers rank first in field goal percentage at the rim and from mid-range, but Minnesota sits fifth in opponent field goal percentage at the rim and sixth from mid-range.
Their noticeable weakness is defending the three-point line, where they rank 17th (36%). The good news for Minnesota is the Lakers rank just 22nd in three-point attempts per game.
The biggest separator is Los Angeles' ability to get to the charity stripe, posting the second-highest free throw rate in the NBA, while Minnesota ranks 20th in defensive free throw rate.
Outside of that, on paper, the Timberwolves are the better team.
Can they finally prove that on the hardwood tonight?
Timberwolves vs Lakers Predictions
We've already seen the initial market movement target the road team, and I can't say I disagree. Most sportsbooks opened the Timberwolves as 1.5-point favorites, but the consensus has now moved to Minnesota laying -2.5.
Whether or not LeBron James plays in this game does not impact my approach toward backing the Timberwolves. In fact, I hope he plays. When James is on the floor, it often feels like it creates more chaos than chemistry and limits the ability for role players to contribute. Austin Reaves is a good example, as his involvement tends to dip when James takes away possessions.
Don't believe me? James currently carries an efficiency differential of -2.2, and his expected wins number sits at -5. That metric estimates how many games a team would win over an 82-game season based on a player's efficiency differential.
Factor those elements in, along with Minnesota stacking up better on paper and having extra motivation to finally get a win against the Lakers, and it makes for an enticing wager on Anthony Edwards and company.
I'll be laying the -2.5 (-110) with Minnesota.
Best Bet:
NBA Record: 147-114-1 (+20.92 units)
Still Didn't Get Your NBA Fix?
Follow me on X @dannyburke5 for all my picks, analysis and plenty more. Also be sure to follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch to catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks and news every day and check out our Free Expert Picks for every major sports league.
More NBA News
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 4
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals MVP Odds: Race Tightens After Spurs' Game 3 Win
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 3
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Top Five Picks
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Check Out All of Our Betting Resources at Betting News
Danny Burke is a betting analyst with a decade of sports media experience. He got his start at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, sharing picks on the local ESPN affiliate. After college, he hosted shows for VSiN in Las Vegas before returning to Chicago to launch 'Rush Hour', the first daily sports betting show from an Illinois casino. He also co-hosted 'Props and Locks' on Fox32’s Bears pregame show and ran 'Bet On, Chicago' on WLS-AM 890.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.