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Lakers and Timberwolves Set for Playoff Clash as Luka Doncic Debuts in L.A. Postseason

The Lakers, led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Luka Doncic, are favorites against Anthony Edwards and the surging Timberwolves in a series beginning April 19.

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Luka Doncic, left, and the third-seeded Lakers are set to tangle with Anthony Edwards, right, and the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in a best-of-seven first-round playoff series that begins Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photos by The Associated Press)
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Overview

  • The first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves starts Saturday, April 19, at Crypto.com Arena, with broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, and TNT.
  • The Lakers, who added Luka Doncic in a major midseason trade, finished the regular season 50-32 and are favored to win the series with BetMGM odds at -200.
  • Minnesota closed the season strong, winning eight of their last nine games, led by Anthony Edwards, who averaged 27.4 points per game.
  • Experts from USA TODAY, ESPN, and CBS Sports overwhelmingly predict the Lakers will advance, with most projecting a competitive six- or seven-game series.
  • Key tactical discussions highlight the Lakers' small-ball lineups against Rudy Gobert, defensive rebounding, and limiting turnovers as critical factors in the matchup.