What should have been a headline-worthy early-season matchup is now instead a showcase of second and third stars.
But Minnesota has the better supporting cast, led by Anthony Edwards’ career-long running mate. My Lakers vs. Timberwolves predictions focus on Jaden McDaniels, who is still underappreciated offensively.
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Here are my NBA picks for Wednesday, October 29.
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Lakers vs Timberwolves prediction
Lakers vs Timberwolves best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points (-115)
Jaden McDaniels has developed more of an offensive game than he is given credit for. Sure, he may have cleared this prop in only 19 of 82 games last season, but three of those 19 were the three games Anthony Edwards missed.
Add in Monday’s loss to the Nuggets, and McDaniels has averaged 24.5 points in his last four games without the Minnesota Timberwolves’ superstar.
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Both halves of that thought make sense. With Edwards, Minnesota has its focal point — with plenty of possessions intentionally set in the halfcourt — and McDaniels is left playing a more complementary offensive role.
Without Edwards, the Timberwolves target whatever mismatch is presented, live more in transition, and McDaniels thrives in both regards.
The defensive wing has scored at least 20 points in each of those four games without Edwards, something that should probably be expected tonight, but do not target that milestone too aggressively.
A blowout is not off the table while the Los Angeles Lakers lack their two best players, and Minnesota has a deep enough bench to cut short McDaniels’s night in any rout.
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Lakers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
McDaniels took to shooting more 3-pointers when Anthony Edwards was sidelined last season, and that should continue to be an emphasis for McDaniels while Julius Randle initiates the offense.
The other emphasis for both McDaniels and the Timberwolves will be the other end of the court, where the team was called out by head coach Chris Finch for paltry defense this week.
Slowing down the last viable Laker threat should be a surface-level demand of that public criticism.
Lakers vs Timberwolves SGP
Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 threes
Austin Reaves Under 30.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Bench depth
Terrence Shannon Jr. scores when he plays. His props do not need to be more complicated than that. And with Anthony Edwards out and Jaylen Clark questionable (calf strain), expect Shannon to play and score.
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Lakers vs Timberwolves SGP
Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 threes
Austin Reaves Under 30.5 points
Terrence Shannon Jr. Over 8.5 points
Lakers vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Lakers +7 | Timberwolves -7
Moneyline: Lakers +225 | Timberwolves -275
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Lakers vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Timberwolves are 0-4 against the spread this season, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 8.6 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Lakers vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Lakers vs Timberwolves latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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