Projecting the Timberwolves’ possible first-round matchups

(8) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (1) Houston Rockets

This, by far, would be the worst possible matchup for the Wolves.

As good as it would feel to see them play meaningful basketball, fans would be lying if they said they don’t care if the Wolves make a run. The Wolves have a team capable of making a run when healthy and the Rockets would make a run less likely.

For starters, the Rockets completed the series sweep on the Wolves by winning all four games. Their average margin of victory in their four wins against the Wolves was a whopping 15.8 points.

The Wolves offense has held their own against the Rockets. They have averaged 107 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field. Their 36.6 percent 3-point shooting against the Rockets is nothing great, however it is nothing dismal either.

Although the offense has held their own, the defense can’t say the same. They have given up an average of 122.8 points per game and have let the Rockets shoot 50 percent from the floor and 43.4 percent from three.

To make matters worse, the Wolves have played poorly as of late, and mainly as a result of their defense. As for the Rockets, their defense has been stellar over the past 25 games.

Clearly, defense would be the main focus for the Wolves heading into this possible series. They need to hold the Rockets to less than 50 percent shooting from the field — that is most crucial. The Rockets will drain their threes like they always do however, it is about limiting their opportunities while contesting each shot.

At the same time, the Wolves can keep the series close by doing what they did well during the season series.

They shared similar numbers with the Rockets in rebounds, steals and free throw shooting during the season series. If they can win those areas and play defense with a sense of urgency the Wolves can make this series more competitive.