NBA Playoffs Betting Preview: Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 5

The Lakers defense is falling apart before our eyes. While Luka Doncic is a force offensively, he’s been the targeted Laker on defense via this feisty and angry Minnesota team.

Jaden McDaniels is playing like a star, and Anthony Edwards has a bone to pick with this Lakers team that has two superstars that he will try to dethrone tonight in Game 5 in Hollywood.

Jaden McDaniels (MIN) OVER 13.5 Points

Jaden McDaniels is the reason Minnesota is up 3-1 in this series. The 5th-year forward has come into his own during this season and now, the postseason. Averaging 19.8 PPG and 7.3 RPG in the four games of this series, McDaniels has the Lakers’ number, and that shouldn’t change tonight.

Coach Finch trusts him down the stretch, playing the wing 37 MPG this series. Outside of that Game 2 loss, where Minnesota shot it just 20% from beyond the arc, Jaden is averaging over 23 PPG. This is the safety bet in this Game 5 matchup.

Rui Hachimura (LAL) OVER 1.5 3PM

I loved what I saw from Hachimura in Game 4. However, this bet is based on the fact that the Lakers’ defense can’t stop anything Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, and the Wolves are doing on offense.

With the O/U set at 209.5, and most likely going over based on the trajectory of the Wolves’ offense against this Laker defense that is struggling for answers. Rui has been keeping LA in these games from beyond the arc.

He’s made two or more threes in 3 of 4 games in this series while shooting it at a 43.5% clip. The stroke looks great, and the confidence is up for Hachimura, who is bound to play 40+ minutes again in this win-or-go-home scenario for the Lake Show.

Anthony Edwards (MIN) OVER 34.5 Points & Assists

Edwards has been an unstoppable force this series and has earned the right to be named the best offensive player on the floor between him, Luka, and LeBron. After a 43-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance, I’m expecting ANT to follow up with a big performance on the biggest stage in Los Angeles.

ANT has gone for 7.6 APG in the three wins this series. Take Minnesota to at least push this game to the last few possessions with Edwards’ playmaking and decision-making.