NBA
10:00 PM EST.
Spread: MIN -1 / LAL +1.
ML: MIN -115 / LAL -105.
Over/Under: 222.
Free Pick: Timberwolves -1.
The NBA season kicks off tonight with the second game featuring the LA Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both teams look to build on last year's performance after the Lakers lost in the first round and the Timberwolves lost in the Western Conference Finals. This offseason the Lakers brought in new head coach JJ Redick and rookie Dalton Knecht. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves had more of a personnel overhaul as they traded Karl Anthony-Towns to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Last season, the Lakers lacked depth and had the 5th worst defensive rating, 122.4, while the Timberwolves had the best with 114.8. The Lakers didn't address their needs banking on player self-improvement and JJ Redick. The Timberwolves have improved from last season, now having arguably the best bench and Randle offers more flexibility offensively as an additional ball handler. Expect this new-look Timberwolves team to do well this season, kicking it off with a win that extends the Lakers' streak of opening-night losses to eight.
