Minnesota took Game 1 in blowout fashion, 117-95, even with Luka Dončić putting up 37 points. Game 2 was a different story as the Lakers put forth a much better defensive effort and tied things up at 1-1 with a 94-85 victory on Tuesday night.

In Game 3 of the Lakers' 116-104 loss to the Timberwolves in their opening-round Western Conference playoff series, it became clear--as if it were not already--that this series is lined up to be a grind for whomever wins.

When was the last time a No. 7 seed (Warriors) was a betting favorite over a healthy No. 2 seed (Rockets)? Three of the four series in the West and at least one in the East (two if you're a big Pistons fan) could go either way.