We’re deep into the heart of the first round of the NBA playoffs, and the intensity is reaching a boiling point. Tensions are running high across several series — the Pacers and Bucks are practically at each other’s throats, the Rockets and Warriors have inevitably started chirping, and Orlando has already been hit with three flagrant fouls in its battle against Boston. Playoff basketball is officially here in all its gritty, physical glory.
Sunday brings us a loaded slate of four NBA games and — perhaps mercifully — a brief break from the nonstop headlines surrounding Shedeur Sanders. While the dream NBA Finals matchup for TV networks is undoubtedly a Lakers vs. Celtics showdown, both teams still have plenty of hurdles to clear before getting there. Let’s break down the two biggest games on the board and our best bets against the spread (ATS) for April 27.
Lakers at Timberwolves Odds and Pick
- Spread: Timberwolves -3
- Lakers ATS record: 46-37-2
- Timberwolves ATS record: 41-43-1
So far in this series, the winning team has covered the spread in all three games. Minnesota comes in as a three-point favorite. The Timberwolves have been reliable in the postseason lately, covering eight of their last nine first-round playoff games and posting a solid 6-4 mark against the spread in their last 10 overall.
A couple of key trends stand out:
- The Lakers have lost eight straight road playoff games.
- However, LeBron James is 38
