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Projecting the Timberwolves’ possible first-round matchups

By Adam Ziobrowski

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 8: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 8: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 11: Karl-Anthony Towns. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 11: Karl-Anthony Towns. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

(7) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (2) Golden State Warriors

If the season ended today, this would be the Wolves first round matchup.

Unlike against the Rockets, the Wolves have proven they can beat the Warriors. Add that to Stephen Curry‘s injury that will almost certainly keep him out until at least the second round of the playoffs, and this series would be much closer than some might think.

Although the Warriors own the season series by a 2-1 margin, the Wolves have shown improvement in each game.

Their first game against the Warriors resulted in a 24-point loss. In their next game, the Wolves came a little closer losing by 13. Finally, the Wolves defeated the Warriors by six earlier in March in a game in which Karl-Anthony Towns dominated.

The issue the Wolves have faced while playing the Warriors has been, you guessed it, defense.

The Warriors have put up 118 points per game on average against the Wolves this season. With that, they have shot 50.2 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from three in their three games against the Wolves.

The Wolves biggest flaw against the Warriors on offense has been 3-point shooting. In their three games against the Warriors the Wolves have shot just 26.6 percent from three.

What the Wolves have done well this season against the Warriors has been their ability to force turnovers. The Warriors have committed 16 turnovers per game against the Wolves to their 11.3. If the Warriors are in fact the Wolves first round opponent, the Wolves must continue to limit their possessions via turnovers.

Plus, with Curry battling recurring ankle injuries and Kevin Durant/Klay Thompson not 100 percent, the Warriors will be on upset alert.

Also, in case you haven’t heard, Jimmy Butler should be good to go for the playoffs. This would without a doubt light a spark in the Wolves locker room.

Even Max Kellerman feels the Wolves could get the job done against the Warriors.

Still, it’s the Warriors, so … let’s take a look at the next one.

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