Sometimes "chase" has negative connotations but since the Nuggets rallied to beat the Clippers, I am going to chase but because up -- and limit to a half unit to stay that way. I'm not saying the NBA and its TV partners want the Lakers to win this series ... but yeah I am saying that. Not a subscriber to all the wild conspiracy theories (do NOT believe only Oswald killed JFK, however), but that Lakers-Kings 2002 Western Conference Finals, especially Game 7, was completely rigged toward LA, and I don't think it can be argued. I'm not even a Kings fan (did like that team with Webber, Bibby, etc.), and Sacramento may as well be in Madagascar for all I care.

More angles than it might seem in this season series that spilt two games apiece. LeBron didn't play in the two T-wolves wins in December, both at Target Center, in a series that was home-oriented, with the host team winning all four meetings. Luka Doncic was also involved only in the last meeting on February 27, scoring 21, though it was LeBron leading the way with 33 points, with another 23 from Austin Reaves, in a 111-102 Lakers win when neither side shot particularly well (both 41% from the floor; Luka an uncharacteristic 1 for 9 on his triples). Minnesota hits the playoffs hot, winning 17 of 21, but this assignment at Crypto.com has been a difficult one for the T-wolves this season. Play Lakers

In quite a surprise development this season, the Lakers' defense has made great strides and could be a key to a deep advance in the postseason. JJ Redick's schemes are designed to risk giving better looks to lesser shooters, especially beyond the arc, while trying to limit the opportunities of the big scorers (in Minnesota's case, Ant Edwards). Meanwhile, defense has been key for the T-wolves as well, who have an ultimate rim protector in Rudy Gobert and plenty of athleticism on the perimeter to cause opposing shooters fits. The season series featured four meetings, none of which exceeding this 217.5 total, including on February 27 after the Luka Doncic trade to the Lake Show (LA won that one 111-102). Play Timberwolves-Lakers Under

Anthony Edwards averaged 27.6 points per game this season, so I’m a little surprised that this line was set at 26.5. He doesn’t fear the bright lights of the playoffs, which was evident by him averaging 26.7 points and shooting 48.0% from the field during the playoffs last year. That was with Karl-Anthony Towns in the fold, who Edwards doesn’t have at his side now. Another stat that makes me like this over is that Edwards averaged 29.0 points per game on the road this season.