NBA Playoff Race Heats Up
The Timberwolves face the Lakers tonight in a pivotal Western Conference matchup as the playoff race intensifies [https://bismarcktribune.com/betting/article_a978b2b9-e2cf-5a30-9bcd-b99c062ebde9.html]. Devin Booker says the Suns feel urgency with little margin for error [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/devin_booker_says_phoenix_suns_feel_urgency_with_playoffs_at_stake/s1_17087_43575204].
The Timberwolves are slight favorites heading into tonight's game against the Lakers. Minnesota is looking to avenge two earlier losses to Los Angeles. LeBron James is listed as questionable for the Lakers. The Lakers are coming off a win against the Knicks, but three of their next four games will be a test. With a win, the Lakers could take the third seed from the Timberwolves. A loss could put them just one game ahead of the Suns and the play-in spot. The Suns' playoff chances sit at an 81.82% implied probability. They are currently the seventh seed in the West. Dillon Brooks said that if the Suns and Timberwolves meet in the playoffs, there will be "problems". Phoenix is starting a critical six-game road trip as they try to climb in the Western Conference standings. The Suns are 1.5 games back of the Nuggets for the sixth seed, which would get them out of the play-in. The road trip includes a game against the Timberwolves.
