What To Watch For: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Atlanta Hawks
By Ben Beecken
The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to snap out of an ugly two-game losing streak as they host the lowly Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
Just 48 hours after the worst loss of the season, the Timberwolves will be back at it against yet another cellar-dwelling team that has given Minnesota trouble this season. (If you want to relive the horror from Monday, here’s a rapid take from yours truly, or a thought-out, 24-hours-later take from Josh Bungum.)
The Wolves are 0-2 against the 20-54 Grizzlies this season, and lost their first of two matchups with the 21-53 Hawks as well. That loss came back on Jan. 29 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, in another game that the Wolves led heading into the fourth quarter but an offensive collapse aided the underdogs in their comeback attempt.
In that game, the Wolves were led by Jimmy Butler‘s 24 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Butler, of course, won’t be available this time around. (Despite getting shots up in the gym and appearing as though he had practiced, he has yet to participate in a full practice.)
The four-time All-Star is apparently getting much closer to returning, however…
Jeff Teague on Jimmy Butler’s recovery:
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 28, 2018
“There’s something with that dudes DNA — the way he just bounces back. Anyone else probably would have been done for the season.”
Went on to say he is “hopeful” we will see him soon.
Jeff Teague also shared some of his thoughts on the minutes that the starters played in Monday’s loss…
Jeff Teague on playing well over 40 minutes against Memphis:
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 28, 2018
“I’ve only played that much a few times in my career ... I’m a little banged up.”
Teague also expressed that he hopes the bench players get more of an opportunity.
Okay, back to Wednesday’s must-win contest against the Grizzlies. The Hawks will be without both Kent Bazemore, who led the Hawks in scoring the last time these two teams squared-off, and starting point guard Dennis Schroder.
Here’s a quick rundown of what needs to happen if the Wolves are to stop this short but already-too-long losing skid…