Lakers vs. Timberwolves Preview and Game Thread: The season starts now

The Lakers will begin their postseason run hosting the Wolves in the opening game of this first round series.

The regular season is over, and now the real fun begins. The Lakers will start their postseason facing the Timberwolves in Los Angeles.

This will be the first time L.A. has had home court in the playoffs since 2020. However, that was the bubble season, so the Lakers were unable to take advantage of the crowd's support.

Now, LeBron James and Luka Dončić will be able to experience the electricity that is Los Angeles playing at home to start the playoffs.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

When: 5:30 PST, Apr 19

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: ABC

A three seed playing a six seed usually means there is a big gap between the two teams. However, this year, only one victory in the win column separates Los Angeles and Minnesota.

So, while the Lakers will be favored over the Wolves, this will not be a walk in the park for the purple and gold.

Minnesota's defensive rating of 110.8 is the sixth-best in the NBA, and their offensive rating, 115.7, is also in the top ten.

Los Angeles might not have those stats in their favor, but they have Austin Reaves, LeBron and Luka, which could be more than enough to begin this series 1-0.

Can the Lakers win playing small ball?

The Wolves have size that the Lakers can’t match. Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert give Minnesota vertical spacing, which will cause problems, but the idea is that Los Angeles will use their bigger and better perimeter players to bully the Wolves beyond the arc.

Despite a size disparity, coach JJ Redick has devised game plans to front, double and frustrate some of the best bigs in the NBA.

Anthony Davis scored just 13 points when the Lakers beat the Mavericks and Alperen Şengün went 5-11 from the field when Los Angeles defeated Houston. If they can contain Randle offensively, they could come out on top on Saturday.

Protect home court

This may be the first game, but it’s an important one. Both teams will come out with a vision of how to win, and one will get it done.

The pressure is on L.A. to protect home court and start this series right.

If the Lakers win the rebounding battle, get Luka going and keep their turnovers low, they should earn the first of the 16 victories they need to win it all.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (left hip flexor strain) is probable, while Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) is out.
• For the Wolves there are no injuries to report.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.