Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: Two teams vying for the Play-in spot

The NBA story for the 2022-2023 season is nearing crunch time. This is a window where those who are nearing the Playoffs or Play-in slots have to avoid big losing streaks, especially those on the peripheries of the Play-in tournament. Two of those teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to meet here.

The Lakers enter into the affair after defeating a Shai-less Thunder 123:117 behind a 26 points outing by Dennis Schroeder. The Lakers have won five of their last seven games and this has helped them hustle back into the Play-in race. However, an injury to LeBron James has given some hit to their campaign which means they will have to rely on their new-look unit which has also taken a hit due to an injury to sharpshooting-returnee D’Angelo Russell. This has increased the responsibility on two-way Superstar Anthony Davis, who is having another outstanding season. Dennis Schroeder has done well whereas Malik Beasley helps the shooting end quite a bit. Jarred Vanderbilt has also done a decent job.

The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers 108:101 in their last outing to overcome a three-game losing streak. Their play for around 30+ days has left a lot to be desired and they have only managed five wins in 12 games since the last day of January. They are within the slot of the Play-in tournament but they will need a lot more from here to consolidate an even bigger advantage. Ever since trading D’Angelo Russell, their shooting department has taken a hit and shifted the burden on Anthony Edwards even more. Jaden McDaniels has lit the defensive flame but the campaign for the team needs some revival as they await the return of Karl Anthony-Towns.

• Timberwolves: OUT: Karl Anthony-Towns. QUESTIONABLE: Jaylen Nowell;
• Lakers: OUT: LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell. Game-Time Decision: Dennis Schroeder.

The Lakers have been getting a lot out of their depth lately but how long will they be able to last without LeBron? Schroeder has upped his game whereas Malik Beasley despite his inconsistencies remains a major factor as a shooter. Considering these dynamics, it is essential for the Wolves to unearth their own depth which has been a problem all season long. I expect the Lakes to win this but overall, a close contest can ensue. I predict a scoreline of 117:113 in favor of LA.