Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers are 1-1 since Luka Doncic went down with multiple injuries, but they’ll get a break on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota is without Anthony Edwards (hamstring) for at least the next two weeks, putting the Wolves in a tough spot to stay above .500 in the Western Conference. Minnesota is coming off a loss to the Denver Nuggets by 13 points at home on Monday night.
Wednesday’s meeting is the second one between these teams this season, as Doncic had a huge game against Minnesota last week to lead the Lakers to a comeback win. Now, it’ll be Reaves (who has 92 points in the last two games) looking to will a banged-up Lakers team to its third win this season.
Here’s a breakdown of the odds, my favorite player prop and a prediction for Wednesday night’s Western Conference battle.
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Spread
Moneyline
Total
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Injury Reports
Lakers Injury Report
Timberwolves Injury Report
Lakers Best NBA Prop Bet
This prop is a no-brainer for the Lakers with both Doncic and James out of the lineup. Austin Reaves is averaging 35.8 points per game this season while shooting an impressive 57.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.
In the last two games that Doncic has missed, Reaves has put up 51 and 41 points to lead the Lakers offense. Plus, he scored 26 and 25 points in the two games that Doncic appeared in to open the 2025-26 season.
The Lakers don’t have many shot creators on their roster with James and Doncic out, and Reaves has stepped right into a 1A role, taking 44 shots and 36 free throws over his last two games.
With that kind of usage, he’s a must bet to score 30 or more points — even against this Minnesota defense. Reaves had 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting against Minnesota earlier this year in a game where Doncic scored 49.
He could be in the mix to push 40 points for the third game in a row on Wednesday.
I’m going to take the points on Wednesday with both of these teams down their star players.
Minnesota lost to the Lakers earlier this season with Doncic and Edwards healthy, and it’s coming off a double-digit loss at home to Denver in the first game that Ant missed.
Overall, the Wolves are 0-4 against the spread, and I have a hard time laying 7.5 points with them considering how well Reaves has played as of late.
The Lakers did lose by 14 on the second night of a back-to-back on Monday, but they should get Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes back in action in this one.
I could see this game being a lot closer than these odds suggest with both teams operating at less than 100 percent.
Pick: Lakers +7.5 (-115 at DraftKings)
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Find Peter Dewey’s NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.
Unlock $200 in bonus bets — all without a promo code for DraftKings. Sign up and place a $5 bet. If you win, you will receive $300 in bonus bets instantly +3 months of NBA League Pass.
