The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway, and one of the marquee matchups in the Western Conference sees the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers face off against the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 is set to tip off on Saturday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. CT from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game will be broadcast live on ABC.
This series brings together a star-studded Lakers squad led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, against a determined Timberwolves team headlined by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
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With both franchises aiming for deep playoff runs, this opening-round clash promises high drama and elite basketball from the start.
Full schedule: Lakers vs Timberwolves, first round
- Game 1 (Los Angeles): Saturday, April 19 – 7:30 p.m. CT, ABC
- Game 2 (Los Angeles): Tuesday, April 22 – 9:00 p.m. CT, TNT
- Game 3 (Minneapolis): Friday, April 25 – 8:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
- Game 4 (Minneapolis): Sunday, April 27 – 2:30 p.m. CT, ABC
- Game 5 (Los Angeles): Wednesday, April 30 – TBD
- Game 6 (Minneapolis): Friday, May 2 – TBD
- Game 7 (Los Angeles): Sunday, May 4 – TBD
If necessary, Games 5 through 7 will be announced closer to their scheduled dates and are expected to air during prime-time slots.
This series stands out for its irregular spacing, with multiple two-day breaks between games – unusual for a first-round matchup.
Game 3 at Target Center will be a late Friday tip, while Game 4 is part of a Sunday matinee lineup.
The winner will meet either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets in the conference semifinals.
