Lakers stun Timberwolves 116-115 in overtime thriller, cover 7.5-point spread
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 116-115 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — a result that defied nearly every betting line, injury report, and expert projection. The game, tipped off at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time and broadcast on ESPN, ended with a final buzzer that sent shockwaves through the NBA betting world. The Lakers, listed as 7- to 7.5-point underdogs, didn’t just win — they covered the spread. And with a combined 231 points, they blew past the 225.5 over/under line. It was chaos. It was beautiful. And it was exactly what fans didn’t see coming.
When the Favorites Fail — Again
The Minnesota Timberwolves entered this game with a 2-3 record and a reputation for underperforming against the spread. They’d lost four straight ATS this season — by an average of 8.6 points per game. And yet, oddsmakers still had them as heavy favorites: -275 to -290 on the moneyline, depending on the book. Why? Because they were at home. Because they had Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels. Because they were expected to dominate without Anthony Edwards, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Turns out, that’s not enough.
Minnesota’s offense looked disjointed. They scored 34 points in the first quarter — then collapsed. Just 24 in the second. Their defense, usually one of the league’s best, couldn’t contain Austin Reaves. And when the Lakers clawed back from a 15-point deficit in the second quarter, the crowd went silent. By the end of the third, the game was tied. And by the final minute? Pure pandemonium.
Reaves Carries the Load — Again
Since Luka Dončić went down with multiple injuries, the Lakers’ season looked like it might implode. But Austin Reaves has quietly become the team’s heartbeat. He dropped 27 points in this game, dished out 10 assists — including a perfect bounce pass to Jake LaRavia for the go-ahead three with 1:12 left — and finished with 92 points over his last two games. That’s not luck. That’s leadership.
LaRavia, the 22-year-old shooting guard, was equally electric: 27 points on 5-of-6 from deep. His third-quarter barrage — three straight threes — turned Target Center from a fortress into a tomb for Minnesota’s hopes.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ stars delivered — but not enough. Julius Randle had 33 points and six assists, hitting four three-pointers. Jaden McDaniels poured in 30 on 11-of-19 shooting. But they had no answer for Reaves’ rhythm, no answer for the Lakers’ relentless ball movement. And when the final horn sounded, Minnesota had no timeouts left.
The Numbers Don’t Lie — But They Didn’t Predict This
SportsLine’s projection model, which has generated over $10,000 in profit for users over seven seasons, predicted an Over at 227 points. It was right. But it didn’t pick the Lakers to win. Neither did most analysts. The public, too, was split: 52% bet on Minnesota, according to Action Network. The smart money? The underdog.
The final box score tells the story:
- Lakers: 32, 30, 35, 19 — fourth-quarter collapse? No. Fourth-quarter grit.
- Timberwolves: 34, 24, 28, 29 — slow start, then fade.
- Total points: 231 — over by 5.5 points.
- Lakers covered +7.5 — a 13-point swing from the line.
It’s the kind of game that makes sports betting both thrilling and terrifying. One night, you’re on the wrong side of a 7.5-point spread. The next, you’re watching a team you thought was broken play like champions.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Lakers, this win improves them to 3-2 on the season and 2-0 on the road. More importantly, it proves they can win without Dončić — not just survive, but thrive. Reaves is no longer just a role player. He’s the guy teams now have to scheme for.
For Minnesota? The alarm bells are ringing. They’re 0-4 against the spread. Their defense, once elite, is leaking points. And without Edwards — who’s out for at least two more weeks — they’re playing with a broken wing. The loss to Denver on Monday was bad. This? This is a reckoning.
And here’s the kicker: the Timberwolves have now lost three straight home games by double digits. Target Center, once a fortress, is becoming a cautionary tale.
What’s Next?
The Lakers head to Phoenix on Friday to face the Suns — a team that’s 4-1 and hungry for revenge after losing to L.A. in overtime last week. Reaves will be under even more scrutiny. Can he keep this up?
The Timberwolves? They’re on a three-game road trip. Next up: Denver again. And then Utah. They’ll need Edwards back — and soon. If they don’t, their playoff hopes could evaporate before Thanksgiving.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just another November game. It was a statement. A team written off because of injuries and odds proved they’re still dangerous. A favorite, heavily favored and at home, collapsed under pressure. And the betting market? It got schooled.
It’s a reminder that in sports, stats don’t always tell the whole story. Heart does. Chemistry does. And sometimes, when a player like Austin Reaves steps up — and the team believes — even the most impossible lines can be broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Lakers cover a 7.5-point spread despite being underdogs?
The Lakers won 116-115, covering the 7.5-point spread by 6.5 points. Despite being expected to lose by 7-7.5 points, their late-game execution, led by Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia, allowed them to outscore Minnesota in the final minutes. The Timberwolves’ offensive slump in the second and third quarters — scoring just 52 combined points — was the key factor that flipped the game.
Why did the over hit so hard at 231 points?
The over hit because both teams abandoned defensive discipline after halftime. Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards’ perimeter pressure, allowed the Lakers to shoot 51% from the field and 48% from three. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ offense, led by Randle and McDaniels, kept pushing pace. With no effective half-court defense, the game turned into a track meet — exactly what the SportsLine model predicted.
What’s the impact of Anthony Edwards’ injury on the Timberwolves’ future?
Edwards’ absence is devastating. He’s their primary scorer, playmaker, and defensive anchor. Without him, Minnesota’s offense stagnates, and their defense loses its most dynamic perimeter threat. They’ve now lost four straight ATS, and their scoring average has dropped by 12.3 points per game since his injury. If he doesn’t return soon, their top-four playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy.
Is Austin Reaves now the Lakers’ true leader?
With Luka Dončić sidelined, Reaves has emerged as the de facto leader. His 92 points in the last two games, combined with 18 assists and zero turnovers, show elite efficiency. He’s not just scoring — he’s orchestrating. Coaches are calling more plays for him, and teammates are trusting him in crunch time. If he keeps this up, he could be an All-Star candidate by February.
Why are the Timberwolves 0-4 against the spread this season?
Minnesota consistently overperforms in the first half and collapses late. They’ve lost their last four ATS by an average of 8.6 points — often because their bench can’t hold leads and their defense breaks down after 30 minutes. They’re also 0-2 ATS on the road, showing they can’t win away from Target Center. Without Edwards, their identity is fractured.
What does this result mean for future Lakers-Timberwolves matchups?
This game flips the script. Last month, Dončić led the Lakers to a comeback win over Minnesota. Now, without him, the Lakers still won — proving their depth. If Edwards returns healthy, the next meeting will be a true clash of styles. But if Minnesota remains without him, the Lakers will be heavy favorites in any rematch — even in Minneapolis.
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