This is the sixth part in our series previewing each of the Timberwolves’ opponents and the upcoming season series.
Let’s take a look at the Orlando Magic, what the off-season brought them, and how they will match-up with the Timberwolves in 2016-17.
Tale of the tape: Minnesota lost both match-ups with the Magic last year by a combined six points. The early season games were close in just about every aspect, with neither team really having an advantage.
The Timberwolves hope to turn that result around this year against an Orlando team that will come into 2016-17 with quite a different team than what we saw last season.
What’s new? The big move for Orlando this off-season was the acquisition of Serge Ibaka via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. They had to give up many pieces to do it, but Ibaka is a proven power forward that can provide on both the offensive and defensive end.
He is one of the best shot-blockers in the league, and he will give Minnesota fits in that facet. Serge continues to try and become more versatile by stretching his range, but his field goal percentage has seen a decline because of it. He still has the ability to put up double-digit points every night, so the Wolves will have to keep an eye on him.
Bismack Biyombo enters his first year with the organization after spending last year with Toronto. He had a great few games where he showed what he is capable of becoming, but most of the season he just fulfilled the role of a solid second or third guy off the bench. I expect him to fill the same role in Orlando, where they already have a few good men down low.
Jeff Green is another interesting new acquisition for the Magic after spending the last two years with three different organizations.
More from Timberwolves News
- The dream starting 5 for Minnesota Timberwolves 5 years from now
- Anthony Edwards’ latest accolade is a great sign of things to come
- In an OT thriller, Team Canada snatches Bronze from Team USA
- Timberwolves start, bench, cut: Mike Conley, Shake Milton, Jordan McLaughlin
- Which Timberwolves roster additions have upgraded the bench?
In my opinion, Green is severely underrated. He has had great stints in Memphis and Boston before seeing a lesser role with the Clippers late last year. I see his role going back up with Orlando, but it will likely come off the bench. He’s not a phenomenal shooter, but he makes up for it with great court vision and relentless defense.
Green will be a tough match-up specifically for guys like Shabazz Muhammad if they play him in a stretch position, or Cole Aldrich if they decide to use his agility down low.
Jodie Meeks also comes to the Magic via trade after playing only three games for Detroit last season due to injury. He may see a significant amount of time of the bench if he can stay healthy. He’s seen glimpses of potential throughout his years in the league, but unfortunately has never quite reached the level many thought he could achieve. We’ll see if that changes this season.
Key losses: Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova
What’s the same? Aaron Gordon is poised for a breakout year this season. After spending much of his first two years off the bench, he should see his way into the starting lineup.
He has shown several signs of progression and is a very promising young talent for the Magic. If he continues to improve, he will be a great young star for a team that is in dire need of one after the loss of Victor Oladipo.
Nikola Vucevic returns down low for Orlando after a very good season last year. Vucevic is more of a traditional big man, executing great post moves and being a ball hawk on the rebounding side. He’s not going to blow anyone away athletically, which should bode well for Minnesota’s bigs.
Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier also return to the Orlando starting lineup. The dynamic frontcourt duo shouldn’t cause any fits for the Timberwolves.
Payton has been prone to turnovers during his first two years. Minnesota should look to exploit that with the defensive skill of Ricky Rubio. Payton himself can be lazy on that end as well, allowing Ricky to look for some scoring opportunities.
On the other hand, Fournier is more of a catch-and-shoot type of guy. He’s not likely to turn the ball over or take bad shots. He averaged nearly five threes a game last year and converted on 40 percent of attempts. Aggressive defense is a must here. If he gets hot, it could be a long night.
My prediction? It’s difficult to tell how this team will fare this season with all the new pieces the Magic have to play with. I expect it to take a few games for this team to learn to play together, and because of that, I see the Timberwolves splitting with Orlando this year.
These match-ups are going to be a tale of two styles; the Magic will look to set it up and will be less apt to run, while the Wolves will look to use their speed to their advantage and frequently run the floor. Orlando could be a dark horse in the East this year, so this match-up will be very intriguing.
Next: Timberwolves Training Camp: Day Three
The Timberwolves and Magic will face off on November 9th in Orlando for the first of two games this year.