The NBA Playoffs are officially upon us, and fans are due for some exciting matchups in the first round.
One of the biggest first-round matchups features the Los Angeles Lakers (50-32) vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33). With star power on each side, the series could easily go 6-7 games, but the rematch between Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards is the biggest storyline.
The Beginning Of A Rivalry
It’s one of the most compelling series because both franchise players averaged astronomical numbers during their previous meeting in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, where the Wolves lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Edwards averaged 24.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game in this series, while Dončić averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per contest.
The Mavericks advanced but lost the 2024 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics in five games. Although the Mavericks-Wolves series was short-lived, it set the stage for a rivalry between Dončić and Edwards that could last a decade. Both are considered top-10 players in the league, and with a three-year age difference at 23 and 26, it was inevitable that they would meet again.
The only difference this time is a new cast of characters on both sides, making for an intriguing clash of styles from the court to the sideline. After being traded to L.A., Dončić completed a star trio alongside Austin Reaves and LeBron James, while Edwards has a new co-star in Julius Randle. Donte DiVincenzo has also been an excellent addition to the Wolves, averaging 12.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game post-All-Star break.
According to FanDuel, the Lakers are a -178 favorite to defeat the Wolves, who are +150 underdogs. Both teams split the regular season series 2-2, providing a fair sample size to gauge how the teams matched up. However, they faced off only once with Dončić and Dorian Finney-Smith on the roster. The fourth meeting occurred on Feb. 27, when the Lakers won 111-102.
Breaking Down The Series
With higher stakes and a potential seven games to play, both teams are due for numerous adjustments after their battles in the regular season. Dončić vs. Edwards will take center stage, and an interesting factor in the series is the struggles both superstars faced against the opposing franchise.
Dončić averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on a putrid 37.5% shooting in three games vs. the Wolves. Edwards averaged 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 40% after four meetings with the Lakers.
They’re bound to play better under brighter lights, and the two dynamic forces will cancel each other out, so the supporting cast will play a massive role in this series. Both teams have their strengths & weaknesses, leaving head coaches JJ Redick and Chris Finch with challenging puzzles to solve.
A Clash Of Styles
The Lakers excel at playmaking, which is a devastating combination for opposing teams due to their roster’s offensive prowess. They’ve had the fifth-best offensive rating post-All-Star break.
On the other hand, Minnesota ranks eighth in defensive rating post-All-Star break. Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Randle have formed a formidable defensive tandem. Neither Randle nor Gobert played on Feb. 27 when the Wolves lost to the Lakers. Therefore, we haven’t seen how the Lakers’ star backcourt will handle the size of Minnesota’s All-Star frontcourt.
What is known is that one of Gobert’s biggest weaknesses is ‘small ball,’ which the Lakers can utilize with Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura at the power forward position. Redick’s main priority should be drawing Gobert out of the interior with switches, allowing Dončić and Reaves to penetrate while creating opportunities for others through their playmaking.
The Mavericks used a similar tactic in the WCF last year, which was very successful. Redick mentioned Dončić’s infatuation with isolating Gobert, given their history, during a Thursday afternoon press conference.
“He thinks there’s not a person in the world that can guard him,” said Redick. “ So I think he takes that seriously, that matchup in particular.”
Who Will Win Chapter II?
Dončić’s familiarity with Gobert is a massive component of the series, and his basketball IQ is among the highest in the entire league. He is expected to have a massive playoff debut with the Lakers, but the series will also provide a massive test.
Many pundits are skeptical of his defense, and Edwards could attack him in isolation. He ended the regular season averaging 28.2 points (48.5% FG, 36.2% 3PT, 80% FT), 5.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across his last ten games.
The Wolves are heading into Crypto.com Arena with a lot of momentum after winning 18 of their last 25 regular-season games. Edwards answered questions from the local media after a Wednesday morning practice and showed respect to Dončić when asked about their previous meeting.
“(He is a) great player, I think he might be the best player at making tough shots in the league,” said Edwards. “ We’re just gonna try to make it tough on him, you know? He’s seen every coverage; He’s been in every situation, so there’s nothing he’s not used to.”
It’s extremely difficult to gameplan for Dončić, and the same can be said about Edwards, setting the stage for a fantastic series. Two future MVPs in their early to mid-20s facing off in the first round is extremely rare, and it will not be the last time since both teams consistently make the playoffs.
Their wars will be some of the best in the new era as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James approach retirement. We will see how Dončić and Edwards compare in talent after a year to improve, and with two capable supporting casts alongside them, fans are due for something special.
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