Mid-Week Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 6: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins vs. Maurice Harkless

When people who don’t watch the Minnesota Timberwolves look at Andrew Wiggins, I imagine most of them see a hyper athletic scorer and not much else. Take a look at his thunderous dunk over Josh Richardson on Monday in Miami and you will see why…

When people think of Maurice Harkless they think of…well, they normally don’t think of him. With all due respect to Harkless, he is just not a household name for NBA fans. He is known as a role player and a fringe starter.

When comparing former number-one-overall pick Wiggin’s numbers to the Harkless, who was the 15th overall selection in 2012, you would expect the former Jayhawk to be leading. And if you expected that, well, you would be right.

Wiggins leads in all major statistical categories on a per-game basis, as well as field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. Taking a look at the offensive plus minus, Wiggins is leading there as well. So far in the young season, Maple Jordan has a .9 offensive plus minus. Harkless is at a -2.

Harkless might be a solid role player, but Wiggins is the key to unlocking this Timberwolves team’s true potential and turn them into a serious contender. Sure, that is a lot to live up to, but he has shown to be up to the task in this young season.

Advantage: Andrew Wiggins

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