117-95
FINALMinnesota
Timberwolves
58-39|L10: 5-5
Los
Angeles Lakers
51-36|L10: 4-6
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//
Eastern Conference
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MIN • Point Guard • #4
11 months ago
Dillingham’s continued absence does not impact the Timberwolves, as he was out of the rotation before spraining his ankle. A win on Sunday would give Minnesota a 3-1 series lead.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
11 months ago
Doncic battled a stomach bug, but still played 40 minutes given the high stakes of the playoffs. He remained in the locker room at the beginning of the third quarter with Gabe Vincent starting the second half, though Doncic quickly returned to the game. He was hardly efficient scoring Friday with 17 points on 16 shots and just two made three-pointers. Doncic will likely get over his stomach issue in the next 24 hours and look to bounce back in Game 4 Sunday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
It’s been a career full of outstanding performances for LeBron James and the 40-year-old small forward delivered yet another in Game 3. With Luka Doncic available, but dealing with a stomach bug, James carried the Lakers with 38 points and five made three-pointers. Los Angeles found themselves in a tie game with four minutes left before the Timberwolves pulled away. James scored almost as many points in Game 3 (38) as he did in the first two games of the series combined (40). It’s a quick turnaround for the Lakers who will look to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the series in Game 4 Sunday.
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
11 months ago
Randle has now put up back-to-back games with at least 22 points after scoring just 16 points in Game 1. After turning the ball over seven times in Game 1, he’s solved that issue as well with just three turnovers in the last two games combined. Given the Timberwolves’ tight eight-player rotation, Minnesota will continue to rely on Randle for scoring throughout the playoffs. The Timberwolves will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a win in Game 4 Sunday.
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
11 months ago
McDaniels led the Timberwolves in scoring for the second time in the series. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but each time he’s led the team in scoring, they’ve won the game. McDaniels made just one three-pointer, but was 12-of-17 on two-point attempts and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. While McDaniels scored at least 20 points just 12 times in the regular season, he’s thrived so far in the highly competitive playoff environment. We’ll see if the Lakers defense adjusts or McDaniels turns back to his regular season form in Game 4 Sunday.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
11 months ago
While Edwards wasn’t very efficient overall with 29 points on 26 shots in Game 3 Friday, he closed the game with multiple clutch plays. With the score tied at 103 and four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, he hit a setback three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Edwards drove for a layup with two minutes left to extend the lead to seven points and then put the dagger in with a setback jumper to make it 113-104 with a minute left. The 23-year-old shooting guard who grew up idolizing LeBron James will have a chance to put his team up 3-1 in the series against LeBron in Game 4 Sunday.
MIN • Point Guard • #4
11 months ago
Dillingham last appeared in a game on April 11, but the rookie had fallen out of the Timberwolves’ rotation well before then. Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue to play whatever minutes are available among Minnesota’s reserve guards.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
11 months ago
After the Lakers dropped Game 1, Luka made sure they wouldn’t head out on the road for Game 3 down 0-2. He scored 22 points in the first half alone, and while he wasn’t able to replicate that dominance after the break, he was still able to do enough to even the series. Doncic fell one assist shy of a triple-double, which would have been the 11th playoff triple-double of his career. This was also Luka’s first postseason win with Los Angeles, and he’ll look to add another in Game 3 on Friday to help the Lakers take back homecourt advantage.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
11 months ago
Reaves really struggled in Saturday’s loss in Game 1, and some of those shooting woes carried over into Game 2. He didn’t hit a three-pointer, which was just the third time that has happened since the calendar flipped to 2025. However, he was more efficient from the floor overall. The offense will continue to run through Luka Doncic, which means Reaves will continue to get good looks from beyond the arc. He just needs to start making them. Look for that to start happening in Game 3 on Friday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
Game 1 was one to forget for LeBron, but he bounced back well on Tuesday. James didn’t match his five “stocks” from Saturday, but the entire team had a much better defensive performance after giving up 117 points in their last game. Offensively, James was better, but he still wasn’t his typical dominant self that we see come out during the playoffs. He’s 40 years old, so we’ll cut him some slack. Game 3 will be in Minnesota on Friday, and James will need to have a big night for the Lakers to reclaim homecourt advantage.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
11 months ago
After scoring 22 points in Minnesota’s Game 1 win on Saturday, Edwards had another strong scoring performance in Game 2. However, that didn’t result in another road win for the Timberwolves. Edwards was one of the team’s only sources of offense, along with Julius Randle. The pair combined to score 52 of their 85 points, with the other starters contributing 14 points and the bench supplying 19 points. Still, Minnesota did what they set out to do. They now have homecourt advantage in this series and will look to defend it in Game 3 on Friday.
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
11 months ago
Randle didn’t start the series off well on Saturday, and he ended up turning the ball over seven times in that game. He only scored 16 points in Game 1, but he nearly matched that mark in the first half of Game 2. He also solved his turnover problem and only coughed the ball up once. However, that wasn’t enough for Minnesota to get another win. Randle and Anthony Edwards combined to score 52 of the team’s 85 points, which won’t get the job done in the playoffs. Game 3 will be in Minnesota on Friday.
MIN • Point Guard • #4
11 months ago
Dillingham will remain sidelined for a second straight game, but his continued absence won’t have much of an impact on the Minnesota rotation. His role has been a minimal one since February. Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue to fill out most of the reserve guard minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
11 months ago
While Luka Doncic went off for 37 points, Reaves and LeBron James combined to score 35 in Saturday’s Game 1 defeat. And this wasn’t the easiest matchup for Reaves during the regular season. In three meetings with the Timberwolves, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. Reaves is one of many Lakers who will need to bring more to the table if they’re to win this series. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, with the Lakers aiming to even the series before it shifts to Minneapolis.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
Saturday’s game was the 288th of James’s playoff career, and he finished with a complete stat line. However, this was the first in which he failed to score at least 20 points since Game 5 of the Lakers’ 2023 first-round series against the Grizzlies. Based on what the Timberwolves were able to do in the final three quarters of Game 1, the Lakers are going to need more from LeBron moving forward. Game 2 is on Tuesday night.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
11 months ago
Playing in the postseason as a Laker for the first time, Doncic recorded a gaudy stat line in Saturday’s series opener. Unfortunately, he was also responsible for five turnovers, and the Lakers were unable to keep the Timberwolves under wraps after getting off to a solid start. The turnover count wasn’t out of the ordinary for Doncic, but his efficiency will be of heightened importance in this series. Especially if the Lakers have as much trouble defensively as they did in Game 1. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night.
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
11 months ago
While Randle shot the ball well and recorded a decent stat line, he was also responsible for seven of the Timberwolves’ 10 turnovers in Game 1. That’s an area he’ll need to clean up moving forward, and he’s certainly capable of doing that. Randle’s high during the regular season was eight, which he recorded in a December 23 loss to the Hawks. The Timberwolves’ forward only had eight games with at least five turnovers, so Saturday’s performance can be considered an outlier. Minnesota will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Tuesday.
MIN • Center and Power Forward • #11
11 months ago
Reid took a Jarred Vanderbilt elbow to the mouth during the second half of Saturday’s series opener, and that was all that slowed him down. The Timberwolves’ backup big scored 17 in the first half and finished the game one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since scoring 20 points in a March 24 loss to the Pacers, Reid surpassed 15 points once in his final eight appearances of the regular season. The Lakers employed a “boxes and elbows” defensive strategy to prevent Anthony Edwards from entering the lane, which allowed players like Reid to receive cleaner looks. His play (and that of Jaden McDaniels) could force the Lakers to alter their approach for Tuesday’s Game 2.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
11 months ago
Edwards didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but he recorded solid numbers in the rebound and assist categories. The lone concern was his exit from Game 1 during the third quarter with an apparent calf injury. Edwards did return early in the fourth with a sleeve on his right leg, and he said during the postgame interview that the calf is getting better “day-by-day.” The good news for him and the Timberwolves is that Game 2 isn’t until Tuesday, so he’ll have a few days to rest up.
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
11 months ago
McDaniels’ aggressiveness on the offensive end was one of the key factors in Minnesota’s Game 1 victory. He didn’t hesitate to make plays on that end of the floor, and the result was a highly efficient outing in Los Angeles. McDaniels scored 20 points or more 12 times during the regular season, most recently doing so in a March 16 win over the Jazz. Nights like Saturday have not been the norm for Jaden, so it would be unsurprising if his production took a hit in Game 2 on Tuesday. However, his performance in Game 1 has given the Lakers something to think about when they draw up their defensive game plan for Tuesday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
As expected, James is good to go after the Lakers listed him as probable on the initial injury report. Given the stakes, look for him to take on his usual heavy workload for the series opener.
Source: Ryan Ward
MIN • Point Guard • #4
11 months ago
Added to the injury report early Saturday afternoon, Dillingham is officially out for the series opener. The rookie guard has not been in the rotation since late February, so his absence will not have an impact.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIN • Point Guard • #4
11 months ago
Added to the injury report early Saturday afternoon, Dillingham is officially out for the series opener. The rookie guard has not been in the rotation since late February, so his absence will not have an impact.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIN • Point Guard • #4
11 months ago
Dillingham is a late addition to the Timberwolves’ injury report for Saturday’s series opener. He has not been in the rotation recently, last reaching double digits in minutes played on February 28. Dillingham’s status will only have an impact if Minnesota were to lose one of its veteran guards due to injury.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
James is once again listed as probable with a groin injury that has landed him on the injury report often recently. There isn’t a real chance that he misses a playoff game. Expect LeBron to see a full workload as the Lakers start their quest for a title.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
11 months ago
He struggled as a scorer in his first career start, but James was able to impact the game in other ways. He set new career highs for both assists and steals while playing a career-high 38 minutes. The Lakers rested their starters since this game had no impact on their place in the standings. It was good to get an extended look at the rookie, but he won’t be part of the rotation in the playoffs.
LAL • Small Forward • #4
11 months ago
With the Lakers resting their key players for the postseason, Knecht was able to move into the starting unit and play an extended role. Knecht has been able to score a lot when he plays a large role, but he hasn’t been a large part of the Lakers’ rotation over the last few weeks. This was a strong way for him to close out his first regular season, but he will play sparingly in the playoffs.
MIN • Center • #27
11 months ago
Gobert wasn’t able to provide a true encore to his 35-point performance on Friday, but he was able to turn in another double-double. The final few weeks entering the postseason have been excellent for Gobert; this was his fifth game with at least 15 rebounds in his last 10 appearances. This may not have been Gobert’s most productive regular season, but he’s getting hot at the right time. Minnesota will have a week off before they travel for Game 1 of their first-round matchup.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
11 months ago
Edwards was originally supposed to be serving a one-game suspension on Sunday after picking up his 18th technical foul of the season on Friday. However, the tech was rescinded by the league, which allowed him to be available for the regular season finale to help the Timberwolves clinch a spot in the playoffs. This game went much better than Friday’s for Edwards; he was held to just nine points, which was only his second time this season scoring less than 10 points in a game, with the first coming in a big win over the Lakers in December. In this one, he had his second 40-point game of the month and will enter the postseason on a high note. Edwards also needed exactly seven three-pointers in this game to lead the league in total threes made this season; he hit just enough to beat out Malik Beasley.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
11 months ago
It will be five new starters for the Lakers in the regular season finale with the rest of their typical opening unit sitting out to prepare for the playoffs. Jaxson Hayes is the lone usual starter that will be available, but his absence from the starting unit implies that he may not play a significant role.
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Center • #11
11 months ago
Both players will be good to go in the regular season finale for the Lakers, which won’t have an impact on the standings with LA having already clinched the third seed in the West. Both Hayes and Goodwin should start with the Lakers playing without multiple starters, including LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Power Forward • #2
11 months ago
Vanderbilt and Vincent have been key rotation players for the Lakers lately. Both reserves have a chance to start against Portland as their stars are resting ahead of the playoffs. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect gaudy numbers from either player.
LAL • Power Forward • #2
11 months ago
Vanderbilt and Vincent have been key rotation players for the Lakers lately. Both reserves have a chance to start against Portland while, as the stars are resting ahead of the playoffs. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect gaudy numbers from either player, though.
LAL • Point Guard • #7
11 months ago
Vincent is questionable for Sunday’s game, which will not impact the Lakers’ playoff seeding. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves already out, Gabe could have the ultimate “green light” if he can play. However, he’s struggled with knee issues since joining the Lakers, so getting him additional rest before the postseason may be the team’s priority.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Forward • #17
11 months ago
Finney-Smith is among the many Lakers’ rotation players who will sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, which has no impact on the team’s playoff seeding. Markieff Morris, who is not in the regular rotation, could play legitimate minutes in Portland. However, he should not be added to rosters in active fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #11
11 months ago
The Lakers secured the third seed in the West with their win over the Rockets on Friday. Sunday’s rotation will look nothing like the core that will take center stage in the postseason next weekend. If Hayes and Vanderbilt do not play on Sunday, Trey Jemison is one of the frontcourt players who will figure more prominently in the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
James aggravated his strained left groin during the third quarter of Friday’s win over the Rockets. With that victory, the Lakers secured the third seed in the West, so there’s no need for LeBron to play on Sunday. Hachimura will also get some time off as the Lakers look to get everyone healthy for next week’s playoffs. Jordan Goodwin (foot) and Dalton Knecht should play plenty on Sunday, with the former considered probable on the initial injury report.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #30
11 months ago
Goodwin is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but the probable tag suggests he will play on Sunday. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James are all out, so Goodwin should play plenty if available. He would be worth slotting into lineups in active leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
11 months ago
With the Lakers securing the third seed in the West with a win over Houston on Friday, most of their key rotation players will not play in Portland. Doncic and Reaves are sitting, freeing additional rotation minutes for Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin is considered probable for Sunday’s game, so he should be available and is worth rostering in active leagues. Bronny James may also play extended minutes due to the Lakers’ lengthy injury report.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
11 months ago
Edwards was whistled for a technical foul against the Nets on Friday, which was his 18th of the season. If it wasn’t rescinded, he would’ve been suspended for a must-win game against Utah on Sunday. Now, he’ll be available to play. Minnesota can still finish anywhere from fourth to eighth in the West, so they need to beat the Jazz and have some other games go their way. Edwards’ availability will help their chances of winning.
Source: NBA Official
LAL • Forward • #17
11 months ago
Friday’s victory secured the three-seed in the West for the Lakers, which would mean a second-round matchup with Houston if both teams got out of the first round. For that reason, Finney-Smith’s last two performances against the Rockets were notable. After shooting 6-of-11 from three in the Lakers’ March 31 win over Houston, he was 6-of-8 on Friday. From a fantasy standpoint, Finney-Smith provided the three-pointers and steals on Friday that many managers expect from him. We’ll see if he plays against Portland on Sunday, as nothing will be on the line for the Lakers.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
11 months ago
Reaves and the Lakers were excellent on Friday, shooting nearly 61 percent from the field. Reaves made 66.7 percent of his attempts, finishing one block shy of a complete stat line. With Friday’s victory securing the three-seed for the Western Conference playoffs, it’s possible that Reaves does not play in Sunday’s regular season finale in Portland. If he gets the day off, Jordan Goodwin (3/6/3 with one three-pointer) and Gabe Vincent (one rebound, one assist and one steal) are two players whose playing time would increase.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
11 months ago
The shorthanded Rockets, who played Friday’s game without four starters, had no answer for Doncic. He shot well over 50 percent from the field and did not see any action during the fourth quarter. Friday’s victory secured the three-seed for the Lakers, which may factor into Doncic’s availability for Sunday’s game in Portland. With LeBron James injuring his leg during the third quarter, that may be reason enough to sit Doncic for the regular season finale.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
James suffered an apparent left leg injury during the third quarter of Friday’s game, exiting with 7:27 remaining. He did not return, with some wondering if the 40-year-old tweaked the groin injury that sidelined him for seven games in mid-March. However, the heating pad applied to James’ leg appeared to be on his quad. Following the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick said LeBron was “fine.” Friday’s victory secured the three-seed in the West, so there’s no reason for James to play in Sunday’s game against the Trail Blazers. Expect plenty of Dalton Knecht after the rookie only logged four minutes against the Rockets.
Source: Dave McMenamin
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
11 months ago
After dropping a 30-point double-double in Thursday’s win over the Grizzlies, Randle had another productive night against the Nets. He only missed three of his 11 shot attempts and provided solid value in multiple categories. Minnesota needs a win over the Jazz on Sunday and other positive results to avoid the play-in tournament, so Randle should take on his usual workload in the regular season finale.
MIN • Center • #27
11 months ago
With Anthony Edwards struggling offensively, the Timberwolves needed others to step up on Friday. Gobert answered the call, recording a season-high point total and his 35th double-double. He’s scored at least 19 points in five of his last seven outings, providing third-round value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Minnesota needs to win Sunday’s game against the Jazz, and they’re unlikely to have Edwards due to technical foul accumulation. That matchup should be excellent for Gobert due to Utah’s lack of interior depth.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
11 months ago
Edwards was whistled for his 18th technical foul of the season during the second quarter of Friday’s game. While the call appeared soft, Ant-Man is subject to a one-game suspension unless the league overturns the call. That knocked Edwards off his stride for the rest of the night as he struggled to get going offensively. The good news for the Timberwolves is that they play the Jazz on Sunday, and that should be an easy matchup with Utah focused on improving its draft lottery odds. But no Edwards, if the technical foul is not overturned, certainly hurts for fantasy managers in active leagues.
Source: CJ Fogler
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 months ago
No surprise here as James consistently shows up on the injury report, but hasn’t missed a game since March 20. Fantasy managers in active leagues in the last week of the season can use the 40-year-old small forward with confidence.
Source: Ryan Ward