Sean's NBA AFTERNOON TOTAL DOMINATOR!
- Handicapper
- Sean Murphy
- League
- NBA
- Competition
- Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
- Release Date
- 04/27/2025 09:28 AM
- Event Date
- 04/27/2025 03:55 PM
- Bet Type
- Over / Under
- Pick
-
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Under 209 (-110)
(Consensus Line)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Minnesota at 3:30 pm et on Sunday.
After the 'under' cashed in the first two games of this series, Game 3 brought a temporary break from the trend as both teams started hot and combined for 220 points. I’m expecting a return to a lower-scoring outcome in Sunday's pivotal Game 4, with both squads likely emphasizing defense and control.
Despite the Game 3 'over', the overall pace of the series remains sluggish. Los Angeles has taken 84 or fewer field goal attempts in four straight contests and seven of its last nine overall. This is a team that has played deliberately slow basketball down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs, preferring to work for quality shots rather than rushing possessions.
Defensively, the Lakers have been extremely effective at keeping opposing offenses in check. They've held 10 of their last 11 opponents — and an impressive 42 of their last 48 — to 44 or fewer made field goals. That speaks volumes about their ability to prevent teams from finding rhythm and easy looks.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, hoisted up 91 field goal attempts in Friday’s Game 3, but even that was a bit of an outlier. They’ve had fewer than 90 attempts in seven of their last nine games. Their defense continues to be the cornerstone of their success, as they've limited five consecutive opponents to 40 or fewer made field goals.
With both teams bringing a defensive mindset and neither looking to push the pace, we should see a grind-it-out style of game and a return to the 'under' cashing once again on Sunday afternoon.
Take the 'under'. Projected score: Timberwolves 102, Lakers 98.
