Projecting the Timberwolves’ possible first-round matchups
(4/5) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (4/5) Utah Jazz
This possible series may be the most far-fetched. However, with the current state of the Western Conference anything is possible.
If we’re dictating this series based on Sunday night’s game when the two teams met, then the Wolves are in trouble. However, this series can not and will not be dictated on that one game — especially seeing as how the Wolves were down both Butler and Jeff Teague.
Such as the case was for the Wolves against the Thunder or Blazers, this series would also feature two division opponents. While the season series was split 2-2, the Jazz have played like a much better team recently.
That should be the concern for the Wolves. Sometimes all the numbers have to be thrown away because a team is playing brand new, such as the Jazz currently are. They have ridden a hot streak as of late to put themselves in playoff contention and currently hold sixth place in the west.
The Wolves, however, have done a better job than the Jazz have in terms of not turning the ball over and forcing steals. With that, they have also shot better from three than the Jazz have over their four game season series.
However, the Jazz have scored more, shot better from the field and have rebounded better than the Wolves. Their 121-97 win over the Wolves on Sunday can be credited to these areas as well.
This is a series in which home court may come into play. It’s no secret that the Wolves are a better team at home. Knowing that, they need as many possible home games in a series against the Jazz who have played them tough all season long.
In less than two weeks the Wolves will know who they play in the first round of the playoffs. Of course, there’s always a chance the wagons fall off and the Wolves miss the playoffs entirely.
Next: Tom Thibodeau's minutes problem...
On that note: these final four games for the Wolves will be their most important four games of the season. It may seem obvious, but we’ll learn a lot about matchups and seeding during this stretch, too.