LeBron James and the Lakers will try to punch their ticket to the playoffs this Tuesday night in an NBA Play-In Tournament matchup against the Timberwolves.
The Lakers' late-season rally for the Western Conference's No. 6 seed fell just short as they finished a single game behind the Warriors. They'll now need to survive the Play-In round(s) in order to keep their season alive.
Led by the stellar performances of James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers closed out the regular season with wins in 11 of their final 13 games. It helped them finish the campaign with a 43-39 record despite a brutal 2-10 start. They haven't won a playoff series since lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy in the bubble back in 2020, but they could prove to be a dangerous team in the postseason this year.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are having to deal with a major distraction at the worst possible time. Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, star center Rudy Gobert won't be traveling with the team to Los Angeles after punching his teammate Kyle Anderson during a win over the Pelicans on Sunday. The tussle took place after the two exchanged words on the sideline, and Gobert was immediately sent home with the game still going on.
MORE: Is Rudy Gobert suspended? Latest news on Minnesota center ahead of NBA Play-In Tournament
With Karl Anthony-Towns still recovering from a calf strain suffered in November, Anthony Edwards will have to serve as the team's main scoring threat. He's certainly capable of that, as evidenced by his 29.8 points per game so far in the month of April, but guiding his team to a victory will be a big challenge for the 21-year-old.
Whoever wins will face a tough playoff series against the feisty Grizzlies, who have beefed with the Lakers already this season.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Lakers vs. Timberwolves in the NBA Play-In Tournament:
What time is Lakers vs. Timberwolves?
- Date: Tuesday, April 11
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Cal.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves will tip off at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
MORE: Dates, TV schedule, brackets for 2023 NBA Playoffs
What channel is Lakers vs. Timberwolves on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: TNTdrama.com, Sling TV
The NBA Play-in Tournament clash will air nationwide in the United States on TNT. Viewers can also live stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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NBA Play-In Tournament schedule
Tuesday, April 11
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel | |
| Game 1 | Hawks vs. Heat | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 2 | Timberwolves vs. Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
Wednesday, April 12
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel | |
| Game 3 | Bulls vs. Raptors | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Thunder vs. Pelicans | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
Friday, April 14
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel | |
| Game 5 | Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 1 | 7/7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 6 | Winner of Game 4 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 9:30/10 p.m. | ESPN |
NBA Playoff matchups 2023
Eastern Conference
(1) Bucks vs. (8) Play-In winner
(2) Celtics vs. (7) Play-In winner
(3) 76ers vs. (6) Nets
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Knicks
Western Conference
(1) Nuggets vs. (8) Play-In winner
(2) Grizzlies vs. (7) Play-In winner
(3) Kings vs. (6) Warriors
(4) Suns vs. (5) Clippers
NBA Playoff schedule 2023: First round
The NBA has released the partial schedule for the first weekend of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The schedule for Saturday, April 15 is set while the schedule for Sunday, April 16 has yet to be determined.
Check back for updates on the full weekend schedule as well as the schedule for the entirety of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
(All times Eastern)
Saturday, April 15
| Game | Time | National TV (US) |
| Nets vs. 76ers (Game 1) | 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| No. 7 seed vs. Celtics (Game 1) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Knicks vs. Cavaliers (Game 1) | 6 p.m. | ESPN |
| Warriors vs. Kings (Game 1) | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
Sunday, April 16
| Game | Time | National TV (US) |
| No. 8 seed vs. Bucks (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
| No. 8 seed vs. Nuggets (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
| No. 7 seed vs. Grizzlies (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
| Clippers vs. Suns (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
