The day has finally arrived, officially, where we see father and son share the court in a game in the best basketball league in the world. LeBron and Bronny James are ready to make history on opening night of the 2024-25 season. The Minnesotans Timberwolves They take a new step in the hierarchy that they conquered last year by opening the season in one of the great temples of the NBA. Below we will preview how the two teams arrive in the first match of the course, detailing the data and statistics that will help us understand what can happen on the pitch of the Crypto.com Arena and what could be interesting bets for this dynamic clash.
Date and time of the match Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The match between Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves It will be played this Wednesday, October 23 at 04:00 (Spanish Peninsula time) at the Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles).
Last minute of the Lakers: injuries and physical condition
With the momentum that always accompanies the arrival of a new tenant on the bench, the Lakers They approach the current season and tonight’s game with few changes compared to last year in terms of squad. Only the draft additions of Dalton Knecht and Bronny James represent a nuance from what was seen last season. In the absence report, this does not change, Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Christian Wood (knee) and Christian Koloko (illness) appear.
The addition of JJ Redick to the bench has led to a change in the way the Los Angeles team plays, which last year was the third-fewest team shooting threes (31.4 per night). But with the eighth best percentage (37.7%). The former player and now coach is radically changing that. Especially when it comes to increasing the volume of outside throws from players he already had. Starting with Anthony Davis.
Player to watch: Bronny James
The season is long and will eventually focus on the most important stars and supporting characters. But it is the night of the king’s heir. The media discussion will revolve around Bronny James. How many minutes he plays, how many of them will be with his father, how important he will be in the rotation and, of course, whether he will live up to his debut, judging by what was seen in the beginnings. pre-season, the last question does not give a positive prediction.
Timberwolves final minute: injuries and fitness
Mixed feelings at the start of the campaign for Minnesota Timberwolves. After having completed its leap forward by sneaking into the Western Conference final a few months ago, the departure of its second best player shakes the foundations on which the project has rested until now. All this amid a now-unending dispute over ownership of the franchise. At least they arrive without causing any casualties
The Wolves were last season’s best defense several steps ahead of second, giving up just 106.5 points per game. And it shouldn’t have changed that much. The team loses size with the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns, but adds another big soldier in the outside trenches in Donte DiVincenzo. Anthony Edwards will want to continue his rise to becoming the face of the league, with his mere presence enticing enough to sit in front of the television. Or any electronic device you use to watch the games.
Player to watch: Julius
That said what has been said about Edwards, the most interesting thing at the start of the campaign, at least a priori, will be to see how Julius Randle fits into what the Wolves are doing. The power forward is one. player who demands more of the ball than Towns and who lacks outside threat. Which, on paper, complicates coexistence with Edwards and Rudy Gobert in attack. Moreover, its classic flaws coincide with those of Minnesota: little imagination and problematic decision-making in the final moments. Despite everything, a double All-NBA is coming, those are big words.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: history of clashes
One of the most historic franchises in the NBA facing one of the ugly ducklings of the competition since its arrival in the 129 years. Today they seem to have changed roles, but in the 129 matches they have argued regular season, Los Angeles hosted 85. Now, Minnesota has won three of the four head-to-head games it played last year.
Predictions for the Lakers vs. Timberwolves
Minnesota, favorite but with doubts. Due to recent games and the Lakers’ internal defeats, favoritism counts on the Wolves’ side. Of course, it is rare to see these teams exceed the ten-point difference in their last confrontations.
Lakers triples. The meeting should be a first declaration of intentions Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, they only exceeded 35 triples 21 times. This year, under Redick’s leadership, the numbers should increase significantly and nothing better than a first evening of the season to set the tone.
LeBron James in opening night. The forward has played in six season-opening games since he was with the Lakers and, as usual, they were considered notable nights on the calendar. He topped 20 points five of six times and had a double-double in four of them. Including the triple double of 2019.
Best bet for him Lakers vs. Timberwolves
Based on the last confrontations between the two and the offensive tone that both intend to give to their game this season, it is more than likely that the match will end close to 220 points.
Alternative Bets
Where to watch the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
the match between Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves can be seen through the NBA League Pass subscriptionas well as through Movistar + in Spain. Both broadcasts can be followed in Spanish.
