The Timberwolves and the Warriors entered the 2025 NBA playoffs as the “underdogs” because of their lower seeds, but they’re not playing like it here in the first round against the third-seeded Lakers and the second-seeded Rockets. With both teams sporting 3-1 leads, the sixth and seventh seeds in the Western Conference are poised to advance and face off in the next round.
Because they’re one loss away from an early postseason exit, the Lakers and Rockets must throw everything, including the kitchen sink, to live and fight for another day. The NBA 2025 odds back them to win Game 5 since they’ll be playing at home, though winning their series altogether is another story.
Because the Thunder-Grizzlies and Cavaliers-Heat first-round matchups are already done and dusted, we only have two playoff games on the menu tomorrow, and SBOTOP brings you the latest NBA 2025 updates.
Golden State Warriors @ Houston Rockets
Jimmy Butler reminded everyone in Game 4 why the Warriors traded for him last February. The six-time NBA All-Star posted 27 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 7-for-12 shooting from the field and a perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line to lead Golden State to a 109-106 victory last Monday. He missed Game 3 due to a pelvis injury he sustained in Game 2, though Golden State won without him.
Butler was clutch in Game 4, as he knocked down three free throws with 58.1 seconds left, corralled the game-clinching rebound with four seconds to go, and made two more free throws. More importantly, he looked spry and showed no signs of rust, even if he said he is still in pain.
Butler received ample support from Brandin Podziemski, Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, and Quinten Post, who added 26, 17, 15, and 13 points. Draymond Green was also solid on the defencive end, and had six points, eight rebounds, and two assists on 2-for-7 shooting.
Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 31 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 12-for-28 shooting. However, when the Rockets needed a late basket down 107-106, Sengun missed his floater, with no thanks to Draymond Green’s stifling defence.
Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks contributed 25, 17, and 11 points in the losing effort. However, if Houston plan to extend the series, they need a stronger performance from Jalen Green, who only had eight points and three rebounds on 3-for-8 shooting. Since his 38-point explosion in Game 2, Green has yet to score double-digit points for the Rockets, highlighting his inconsistency.
Betting tip – Houston Rockets Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 1.80
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves can dispatch an NBA generational great in the first round for the second consecutive year, since they’re one game away from eliminating the Lakers.
Minnesota recorded a 116-113 win in Game 4 last Sunday at home after outscoring Los Angeles 32-19 in the final period, and after some crucial mistakes from the visitors down the stretch. Jaden McDaniels converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left for the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James. Edwards put the final nail in the coffin by drawing a foul on James during a drive with 10 seconds left and knocking down both free throws.
The Lakers had one more chance to send the game to overtime. But with Luka Doncic and LeBron James well defended from the three-point line, the ball went to Austin Reaves in the right corner for the game-tying attempt that rimmed out.
Edwards led all scorers with 43 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and five three-pointers on 12-for-23 shooting from the field and 14-for-17 from the charity stripe. Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid added 25, 16, and 12 points.
Luka Doncic, who was under the weather in Game 3, finished with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting but did not provide much else on the stat sheet. LeBron James almost had a triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and three blocks on 5-for-9 shooting from the field and 15-for-18 from the free throw line. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves added 23 and 17 points in the losing effort.
Los Angeles must be better in the final period against Minnesota, as the latter has outscored them 105-69 in all fourth quarters this series. The Timberwolves have also exploited the Lakers’ lack of size by outscoring them 48-30 in the shaded area in Game 4.
Betting tip – Los Angeles Lakers Asian Handicap -6.50 @ 2.14
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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