MIN • Forward • #3
McDaniels’ aggressiveness on the offensive end was one of the key factors in Minnesota’s Game 1 victory. He didn’t hesitate to make plays on that end of the floor, and the result was a highly efficient outing in Los Angeles. McDaniels scored 20 points or more 12 times during the regular season, most recently doing so in a March 16 win over the Jazz. Nights like Saturday have not been the norm for Jaden, so it would be unsurprising if his production took a hit in Game 2 on Tuesday. However, his performance in Game 1 has given the Lakers something to think about when they draw up their defensive game plan for Tuesday.
about 21 hours ago
April 20, 2025 3:09 AM
MIN • Forward-Center • #30
about 21 hours ago
While Randle shot the ball well and recorded a decent stat line, he was also responsible for seven of the Timberwolves’ 10 turnovers in Game 1. That’s an area he’ll need to clean up moving forward, and he’s certainly capable of doing that. Randle’s high during the regular season was eight, which he recorded in a December 23 loss to the Hawks. The Timberwolves’ forward only had eight games with at least five turnovers, so Saturday’s performance can be considered an outlier. Minnesota will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Tuesday.
MIN • Center-Forward • #11
about 21 hours ago
Reid took a Jarred Vanderbilt elbow to the mouth during the second half of Saturday’s series opener, and that was all that slowed him down. The Timberwolves’ backup big scored 17 in the first half and finished the game one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since scoring 20 points in a March 24 loss to the Pacers, Reid surpassed 15 points once in his final eight appearances of the regular season. The Lakers employed a “boxes and elbows” defensive strategy to prevent Anthony Edwards from entering the lane, which allowed players like Reid to receive cleaner looks. His play (and that of Jaden McDaniels) could force the Lakers to alter their approach for Tuesday’s Game 2.
MIN • Guard • #5
about 21 hours ago
Edwards didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but he recorded solid numbers in the rebound and assist categories. The lone concern was his exit from Game 1 during the third quarter with an apparent calf injury. Edwards did return early in the fourth with a sleeve on his right leg, and he said during the postgame interview that the calf is getting better “day-by-day.” The good news for him and the Timberwolves is that Game 2 isn’t until Tuesday, so he’ll have a few days to rest up.
ORL • Forward • #22
about 1 hour ago
Wagner did record a complete stat line in Sunday’s series opener, but the efficiency left something to be desired. Worse than the field goal percentage was the fact that he recorded as many turnovers as assists, finishing with five of each. Given the decided disadvantage the Magic are at offensively in this series, they’re going to need a consistently elite Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
ORL • Forward • #5
about 1 hour ago
Banchero was excellent in Game 1, scoring 19 points in the first half and another 17 after the halftime break. Unfortunately for the Magic, he was the only player who could consistently create opportunities offensively. A difficult matchup for most teams due to his combination of size, athleticism and skill set, this could be a big series for Banchero individually. However, the prevailing question is whether or not Orlando will be able to generate enough offense collectively to have a chance of beating the reigning champions. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
DEN • Forward • #32
about 2 hours ago
Gordon played 46 of a possible 53 minutes in Saturday’s overtime victory to open the series. He’s on the injury report for injury management reasons, and the probable tag suggests Gordon will be available in the end. Peyton Watson, who logged 14 minutes in Game 1, will take on additional playing time if the Nuggets’ starting power forward is limited in any way.
Source: NBA Injury Report
