Can the Lakers takedown Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves?
Tonight, the 5th-seed Lakers (35-21) take on the 7th-seed Timberwolves (32-27) in a matchup with serious playoff implications.
The last two times these teams met, the Lakers struggled offensively, scoring just 80 and 87 points—both defensive battles that highlighted Minnesota’s ability to disrupt LA’s rhythm.
LET’S KEEP ASSERTING OUR DOMINANCE 😈
Just TWO games back from the 2 seed 👀 pic.twitter.com/TpPMelbi05
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 27, 2025
Recent Form: Lakers on Fire, Wolves Up and Down
- Timberwolves: 5-5 in their last 10, recently splitting a two-game series against the Thunder.
- Lakers: 8-2 in their last 10, holding the best record in the NBA over the last 17 games.
The Lakers have been rolling, but Minnesota presents a different kind of challenge—a team that can grind out wins with length, physicality, and elite defense.
The Rui Question: Time for a Small-Ball Shift?
As games become more critical, should JJ Redick consider tweaking the lineup and moving Rui Hachimura to the bench?
On paper, Rui has been solid—only one recent game under double-digit scoring, and even then, he grabbed 12 boards against Portland. His offensive versatility and scoring touch have been valuable.
But against a team like Minnesota, defensive versatility matters just as much as offensive production. That brings up the Dorian Finney-Smith vs. Rui Hachimura debate.
Rui has the size advantage—he’s 6’7.75″, weighs 230 lbs, and has a 7’2″ wingspan, slightly bigger than Finney-Smith’s 6’6.5″ height, 220 lbs, and 6’11.75″ wingspan.
But Finney-Smith is simply the better defender, with quicker feet, better on closeouts, and a natural disruptor. Against a team like Minnesota, where defensive matchups are key, leaning into DFS could be the move.
Why This Game Matters
As of now, the Lakers don’t hold home-court advantage in the playoffs. If the season ended today, they’d face Houston in the first round, making every game vital for seeding.
A win tonight not only pushes the Lakers up but also damages Minnesota’s positioning. Marginal wins against teams like the Timberwolves could ultimately make or break LA’s playoff seeding.
So, does Redick stick with Rui, or is it time to lean toward defensive adaptability? Tonight’s game could be a pivotal moment in figuring that out.
