ItтАЩs always tough beginning an NBA season with two road games. ThatтАЩs the case for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but tonight also brings forth familiarity with an NBA schedule. A year ago this Timberwolves team opened the season at the Lakers and lost by seven points. Look for that to be fresh on the Timberwolves minds, as they attack a one dimensional Lakers team of Luka and Austin Reaves. Take the Timberwolves.
This is a big line for Marcus Smart at this stage of his career considering his role, usage, and playing time. ItтАЩs also a tough matchup versus a good defense and a game environment that should be paced down.
DraftKings. I see this Austin Reaves line as too low, especially with LeBron James still sidelined. With James last season, Reaves cleared this line in 8/9 games, and he snagged five rebounds in the LakersтАЩ first game against the Warriors on Wednesday. The Timberwolves are actually a plus matchup for wing/guard rebounds, partly due to the tough matchup for opposing bigs. Reaves rebounded well in this matchup last season, clearing this line in 7/8 games against Minnesota, including the playoffs.
It's a rematch from the first round of the West playoffs last spring when the Lakers were simply at a physical disadvantage. We're really not sure how much has changed nearly six months on, and what has changed isn't to the Lake Show's advantage with LeBron James out until further notice. What we saw on opening night vs. the Warriors was a Lakers side that looks hard-pressed to be a play-in team without King James, relying almost solely on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while the defense showed too many leaks. Minnesota is on alert after an opening night at Portland, and fundamentals not much different than April, with the Lakers hard-pressed to cope with Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Wolves depth. Play T-wolves
Thybulle has made an immediate impact defensively during his first training camp with the Lakers, recording at least seven steals through the team's first two practices, according to Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com.
Doncic has yet to share the floor with Austin Reaves in scrimmages, and coach JJ Redick said he anticipates staggering the two during the regular season, Jovan Buha of The Athleticreports.
The Lakers believe that James can earn a spot in the rotation heading into the 2026-27 season, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Thybulle is battling for a starting spot at training camp, per Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com.
Sam Amico of Hoops Wire believes Knecht is on the Lakers' roster bubble.
Gobert continues to work on expanding his offensive game, including participating in three-point drills with his teammates, Andrew Dukowitz of ZoneCoverage.com reports.
Reeves signed a contract with the Timberwolves on Sunday.
Lyles said Monday that he hopes to provide veteran leadership and confidence to Minnesota's locker room during the 2026-27 season, Andrew Dukowitz of ZoneCoverage.com reports.
Dosunmu reiterated Monday that he views Minnesota as his long-term home after re-signing with the Timberwolves during the offseason, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.
Team president Tim Connelly believes DiVincenzo (Achilles) will return at some point this season, Jack Borman of the Locked On Wolves Podcast reports.
