It’s always tough beginning an NBA season with two road games. That’s 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. It’s 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 Lakers’ 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
Beringer could play an expanded role in 2026-27 after the Timberwolves sent Naz Reid to the Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball trade.
Doncic (hamstring) recently stated he is "100% healthy again," Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Knecht could receive a larger offensive opportunity following LeBron James' departure, as the Lakers have significant scoring to replace, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
LaRavia could see an expanded role following LeBron James' departure, though the Lakers' additions of Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili should create added competition for frontcourt minute, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Vanderbilt should continue to provide defensive value after LeBron James' exit from the Lakers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Kaluma agreed to a two-way deal with the Lakers on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Thybulle agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Lakers on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Carr contributed 17 points (5-16 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds and one assist across 28 minutes in Saturday's 92-88 loss to the Warriors in the Las Vegas Summer League Semifinals.
Thiero finished Saturday's 92-88 Summer League loss to Golden State with 18 points (6-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals over 26 minutes.
Williams registered 21 points (8-10 FG, 5-7 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 17 minutes during Friday's 128-120 Summer League overtime loss to the Clippers.
