Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves odds, picks and predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers (38-38) and Minnesota Timberwolves (39-38) meet Friday at Target Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Lakers vs. Timberwolves odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Lakers covered the spread as 3.5-point favorites Wednesday with a 121-110 win at the Chicago Bulls. F LeBron James scored 25 points for the Lakers, who have won 4 of their last 5 games and are 9th in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves failed to cover as 6-point underdogs Wednesday in a 107-100 loss at the Phoenix Suns. G Anthony Edwards had a game-high 31 points as Minnesota's 4-game win streak ended. The Timberwolves are a half-game ahead of the Lakers for the 8th seed in the West.

The Timberwolves lead this season's series 2-0 straight up and against the spread, with the Under hitting in both meetings. Minnesota covered as a 1.5-point road favorite 110-102 as the Under (227) cashed in the most recent meeting March 3.