The NBA playoffs have begun for the Lakers and everyone, and it’s looking like it’ll be a classic year, especially in the 1st round. A lot of great games this weekend, like the Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors or the New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons, but my favorite is the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. The starting five on both sides are intriguing matchups to watch, so that’s what I’ll be writing about today!
The First Match-Up will be Mike Conley vs. Luka Doncic
When comparing total points throughout the season, not only does Doncic win, but it’s not close. With the Slovenian Superman having 2,759.3 total points in 24-25, while Mike Conley had 1,501.5 points throughout his season. As for them against each other in their last matchup, Conley’s usually great defense couldn’t stop #77. He went off for 45.3 points, though that was one of his worst games in a Lakers uni so far. Conley went off for 24.3, which was one of his better recent games despite Doncic’s improved defense under Reddick.
Next Match-Up is Lebron James vs. Jaden McDaniels
The man who went viral when Edwards called him shutting down KD one of the best scorers ever. Lebron has had the kind of excellent draftkings season you’d expect for someone going for the GOAT title. But can he continue in the playoffs? King James had 3,495.5 total points throughout a mostly healthy season, where he was stuffing the stat sheet as usual.
Jaden McDaniels had a surprisingly good season having 2,217.5 points in the 2024-25 season. As for their last match-up, McDaniels had 31 total points, which was more run-of-the-mill for him recently. The Wolves forward didn’t shut down the veteran Lakers forward at all, as he went off for 68.8 Draft Kings total points in their most recent match-up.
Shooting Guards: Austin Reaves vs. Anthony Edwards
By far the most interesting match-up, with both players being stars in their own right but who will do better, let’s speculate with stats! Reaves’ great season was reflected in his DraftKings stats, having a total of 2,751.8 points throughout his season. Edwards had a more impressive 3,608 period during his 24-25 DF season. In their last match against each other, Reaves overcame Edwards’ great defense, having 41 DraftKings points, which is above average for his output. Reaves shut down Edwards, having only 36 total DF points below average for his output.
Big Men (Pause) with Julius Randle vs. Rui Hachimura
One of the hardest match-ups to determine, mainly because of how hard it is to figure out who’s the Lakers PF post-AD. I went with the Japanese big man, due to him having the best form out of the rest of the options. Though even Randle hasn’t quite lived up to his outlook before the season, his recent form has Wolves fans optimistic heading into the playoffs. He had 2,484.3 total points throughout the season way above the 1,438.3 DraftKings points Rui had this season.
Lastly, we have the Centers: Gobert and Hayes
Rudy Gobert, the Wolves center, had 2,367.3 total DF points this season, while he has 951.8 total DF points. LA center Jaxson Hayes has mostly been a fade this season, averaging 17 fantasy points per game for the Lakers. The former defensive player of the year has the clear advantage over Hayes, who isn’t too involved despite starting for the Lakers.
Thanks a bunch for reading!
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