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Minnesota Timberwolves: 2020-21 Playoff Chances

By Dylan Jackson

DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on December 04, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on December 04, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – JULY 31: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – JULY 31: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The Remaining Field

Locks: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets

Likely: Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are likely going to lose Mike D’Antoni as coach following the season. They also have a very top-heavy roster with very little draft capital over the next few years. They are one of the better teams in the Western Conference, but with more young teams improving (such as the Grizzlies and Pelicans), it is going to be increasingly difficult to make the playoffs.

New Orleans Pelicans

Any team that has two talents such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have a chance to make the playoffs. The Pelicans also have numerous role players such as JJ Redick and Josh Hart that improve floor spacing. Jrue Holiday is nothing short of a two-way star, as well.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have been overlooked simply due to them being irrelevant this season. Despite losing Kevin Durant this past offseason, they maintained Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Curry alone gives the Warriors a fighting chance to make the playoffs, and the only reason they aren’t in the “other likely playoff teams” category is because all three of their stars dealt with injury issues.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder may drop off next season due to Chris Paul aging another season and the possible loss of Danilo Gallinari. That said, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a notable step forward this season and is one of the most efficient guards at scoring at the rim. The team has a good deal of draft picks moving forward and to have been competitive in 2019-20 is a feat in itself.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are only going to get better. Memphis is an incredibly young team spearheaded by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke. The team also is loaded on high-level role players such as Justice Winslow, Jonas Valanciunas, De’Anthony Melton, and Dillon Brooks. Every single one of those players has yet to reach the peak of their career, making the Grizzlies’ future extremely promising.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings have lots of untapped potential. Both De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield are great offensive players, as is Marvin Bagley. If both Fox and Bagley take even a minor step forward, the Kings could be in playoff contention (just as they are this season).

Phoenix Suns

The Suns theoretically should be much better than they actually are. They have a true star in Devin Booker, quality players in their starting lineup such as Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, and DeAndre Ayton, and interesting role players surrounding those guys. They just have not been able to put it together though.

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