Why is the Lakers vs Timberwolves play-in game played in Los Angeles?
As they prepare to face off against the Timberwolves, the Lakers can at least count on enjoying home advantage. The question is why is that the case?
In a winner takes all situation, the Lakers will be hoping to clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and with it a date with the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. If they lose there is still a chance to clinch the 8th and final spot, but really who wants to think about that?
Lakers vs Timberwolves: The things you need to know
For the season, the teams have met on three occasions with Minnesota edging LA 2-1. It’s worth noting that the teams have had widely different campaigns with injuries, trades and even some internal battles making things complicated for both camps. To be clear, the loser of Tuesday night’s game will play an elimination game on Friday, while the winner will face the Memphis Grizzlies - as the No. 7 seed - in the first round of the playoffs starting with Game 1 on Sunday.
Where team news is concerned, the Lakers injury report is extensive but all those on it including Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been listed as probable, meaning we can expect to see them playing. Where Davis is concerned, the center has played Minnesota twice and scored 38 points on both occasions. James for his part averaged 23 points with 39.5% shooting from the field. As for the Timberwolves, it’s been Anthony Edwards who has led the way with 29 points in October’s game, however, he could only muster 30 between two meetings in March. In the absence of Rudy Gobert who was suspended for punching teammate, Kyle Anderson, he will have to step up. Indeed, the Frenchman’s suspension has not come at an ideal time to say the least, but it could well liberate the Timberwolves in a way we haven’t seen since his arrival. Keep an eye on this one, we expect it to be full of fireworks.
Why do the Lakers get home advantage?
To keep things simple, it’s all about the record. At 43-39, the Lakers come into the Play-In Tournament an ‘mmph’ better than the Timberwolves who sit on a record of 42-40. Indeed, the Lakers are ranked 7th, while the Timberwolves sit just behind in 8th and with that, they get to play at home. As you can probably imagine, this is going to be a gritty game. Both sides are carrying injuries, with the Lakers probably slightly better off in that their injury report has generally listed all players on it as “probable.” To be clear, that includes both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom have been struggling with foot problems. Where the Timberwolves are concerened, they’ve had to deal with the loss of both Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid through injury, however, here they are in the Play In Tournament i.e., they’ve found a way to cope. This one is going to be heated so don’t miss it.