Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Live Stream in the NBA Play-In Tournament
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Must-Win Game 5 in the NBA Play-In Tournament
Time is running out for the Los Angeles Lakers as they face a do-or-die Game 5 showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. The purple and gold squad is under immense pressure to respond after two heartbreaking and disappointing losses in Minnesota—both games that slipped away despite being within reach.
Game Time & Broadcast Info
- Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Time: 7:00 PM PDT
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Watch on: TNT, truTV, Max, Spectrum SportsNet+
Following the Game 4 loss, much of the post-game discussion centered around rookie head coach JJ Redick’s controversial decision to keep his five best players on the court for the entire second half—24 straight minutes without a break. While that move raised plenty of eyebrows, it's just one of several reasons why the Lakers now find themselves with their backs against the wall.
Turnovers and sloppy execution have plagued L.A. throughout the series, while Minnesota's role players have consistently outshined their Lakers counterparts. That, combined with tactical missteps, has cost them dearly in what were otherwise winnable games.
Can the Lakers Still Turn Things Around?
Despite the odds, there’s still belief within the Lakers' camp that a comeback is possible. The team knows the only way forward is to focus one game at a time—starting with Game 5.
Perhaps the biggest question going into this critical matchup is how Redick will adapt. Will he shake up the starting five? He remained tight-lipped during Tuesday's practice, but it's likely we’ll see a small-ball lineup early in the game as L.A. looks to keep pace with Minnesota’s size and versatility.
How to Watch the NBA Without Cable
If you're looking to watch the game without a cable subscription, there are several streaming options available:
To watch the match via the official application of the competition:
Conclusion
The Lakers are at a crossroads: either dig deep and force another game, or see their season end prematurely. On the other hand, the Timberwolves enter this matchup with confidence and momentum after back-to-back wins. All eyes will be on Crypto.com Arena tonight to see whether LeBron James and company can rise to the occasion—or if the curtain will fall on their playoff hopes.