Lakers vs. Timberwolves Preview and Game Thread: Wrapping up a strong February

The Lakers will close the month of February with back-to-back games against the Wolves and Clippers

The Lakers resume their current six-game homestand and prepare for another set of back-to-back games, starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. This will be the third time these two teams clash this season and the Wolves currently lead the series 2-1. Los Angeles looks to stay hot by extending its winning streak to four games.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

When: 7:30 PST, Feb 27

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: NBA TV, Spectrum Sportsnet

It’s been a very good February for the Lakers, who have won eight out of their last 10 games this month.

They have been rolling even before acquiring Luka Dončić and could’ve been in the midst of an 11-game winning streak if it weren’t for those two losses to the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. Even with those disappointing defeats, this has been one of the best months the purple and gold have had over the last couple of years.

The Lakers have the chance to wrap up an excellent February by winning back-to-back games against two teams chasing after them in the Western Conference standings, the Wolves and the Clippers.

This is a tough set of back-to-back contests, but considering how the purple and gold are playing right now, it’s fair to think they can win these two games. It’ll boil down to how seriously they approach them.

Even though it’s been a terrific month for the Lakers, there are still a lot of improvements they can work on to get to another level. Here’s what I’d like them to improve on in their matchup against Minnesota on Thursday.

Can the Lakers improve their third quarter performance?

Over the last couple of games, we’ve seen a pattern where the Lakers build a comfortable lead throughout the first two quarters, then slowly lose that as soon as the third period starts.

It happened against the Charlotte Hornets when they gave up 32 points in the third. And was a similar story against the Mavericks when they allowed them to come back and tie the game in the same quarter.

While blowing a lead has been the norm in today’s NBA, it shouldn’t happen as much or as often as it does with the Lakers. Their third-quarter meltdowns can’t keep happening, especially against a Minnesota team that’s coming off a strong win in Oklahoma City. This Wolves squad wants to get out of the play-in spot, so expect them to attack this game with force.

Can the Lakers prove their defense isn’t an anomaly?

It’s weird asking this, considering that the Lakers have led the league in defense over the last 15 games. But the reality is that when you have Jaxson Hayes as your center, there should be skepticism about the Lakers’ interior defense especially come playoff time.

Thursday’s match would’ve been the perfect test for the Lakers’ interior defense if only Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle were expected to suit up.

Since both big men are listed as out on the injury report, Los Angeles should adjust their game plan to contain the likes of Naz Reid, who has been exceptional for them as of late. Of course, L.A. will also have to worry about Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 27.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season.

It’d be nice to see another spectacular defensive performance from the Lakers, especially against a team that ranks sixth in the league in that department. Minnesota relies on their defense a lot since their offense can fail them at times.

They average 112.1 points per game, which ranks 20th in the league. The best way the Lakers can contain the Wolves is to make sure Edwards, Reid and their role players don’t go off.

We’ll find out in this one if the Lakers’ defense continues to prove that it’s indeed a threat rather than an anomaly.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (left foot injury management) is probable, while Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) is out. Bronny James Jr. (G-league) is with the South Bay Lakers.
• As for the Wolves, Donte DiVincenzo (toe sprain) and Anthony Edwards (right calf soreness) are questionable. Rudy Gobert (lower back injury) and Julius Randle (right groin strain) are out.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.