With the Lakers set to play the Wolves, fans seem to think Los Angeles will get the better of them.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The playoffs are finally here, and the Lakers don’t have to worry about the play-in. They have clinched an automatic postseason spot for the first time since 2020.
Since they ended as the third seed, they also don’t have to wait to find out who their opponent will be. The Lakers will play the Wolves in the opening round and begin play on Saturday, April 19, in Los Angeles.
With the matchup already solidified, we asked fans who they thought would win the series. Over 66% chose Los Angeles over Minnesota.
Given that the Lakers ended the season ahead of the Wolves, have home court and Luka Dončić, it’s no surprise fans will give them the edge.
The Wolves may be underdogs, but they are a formidable team. When JJ Redick first discussed the matchup, he stated that Minnesota “presents a lot of problems.”
One of those problems is Anthony Edwards, an All-NBA player, and another is Lakers legend Julius Randle, a dominant big who could give the Lakers trouble.
While the Lakers did finish in front of the Wolves, it was just by one game, so this series has the potential to be much closer than the No. 3 vs. No. 6 series typically is.
Fan Duel has the Lakers favored to win, so if you want to bet some money on that series or any opening round action, look at the odds and see where you can find an advantage.
There might not be much tape of the Lakers playing against the Wolves with Luka, but they did beat Minnesota 111-102 back in February. Edwards did get ejected from that game and only played 26 minutes, but the Lakers were in control even when he was in the contest.
That all gets thrown in the trash bin now, as we begin the series at 0-0. Let’s see if the Lakers can get the job done and beat the Wolves in postseason action.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.