Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers NBA Basketball Odds March 18, 2011: The (48-20) Los Angeles Lakers [-14] are looking for a 15th successive win over the NBA Odds underdog (17-52) Minnesota Timberwolves [+14] on Friday night from the Staples Center starting at 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT). NBA Picks experts believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers will combine to score an OVER/UNDER total of 201 points.
If the Lakers can pull of this quite probable win, they can also clinch the Pacific Division title for the fourth straight year. This can only happen on Friday if they Phoenix Suns lose to Golden State. But the two-time defending champs are not too concerned about another division title, instead they have their eyes on a “three-peat”.
In order to make it to that elite point once again, coach Phil Jackson has made sure his team is aware of how important the remaining time is, just ask Lakers forward Pau Gasol. With Kobe Bryant still nursing a sprained ankle, and missing practice on Wednesday, the Lakers are still expecting No. 24 to be ready to play.
In his last three games, Bryant is shooting 35.0 percent and averaging 18.7 points. Center Andrew Bynum is also making some real effort for his team, going for four consecutive double-doubles. In his last six games, Bynum is also averaging 15.8 rebounds.
The NBA Predictions underdog Minnesota is coming off a loss to the Utah Jazz 119-104 on Wednesday, losing their last two games by an average of 19.0 points. The Timberwolves have not had much luck, if any, at the Staples Center, losing their last nine times there. But last time the Timberwolves were in Los Angeles, Kevin Love put up some impressive numbers. Although Minnesota lost that night 99-94, Love had 24 points and 23 rebounds, as he went on to earn a 53 double-doubles streak.
