Lakers vs. Timberwolves preview: Jordan Clarkson can let it rip against Zach LaVine

The Los Angeles Lakers are in full-on cruise control now, needing a borderline miracle to move ahead for the third-best odds heading into the NBA Draft lottery. A game against a 16-62 Minnesota Timberwolves team would look dangerous a few weeks ago, but these final games are house money after securing top-four position. Let it rip.

The Lakers will be without Jeremy Lin, still waiting on results from an MRI on his left knee. This will keep the door open for Jordan Clarkson to go full throttle during the final games, while also providing an extended look at both Jabari Brown and Dwight Buycks. The backcourt is headed a new direction, and this could be a sneak peek at the developing youth on the team.

The Timberwolves have been down a tough, injury-filled season that amounted to an even worse record than the Lakers. Andrew Wiggins has been sensational, but Zach LaVine's been hit and miss. Ricky Rubio's ankle issues have slowed things down, and Nikola Pekovic is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon. It's not been an easy road for Minnesota, and even the homecoming story of Kevin Garnett blew away as fast as it happened.

The stakes are low in this one for Los Angeles, so if you're feeling up for closing out the season, enjoy this game, which could be a Clarkson vs. LaVine feature in a hurry.

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

Station: TWCSN