If Timberwolves tumble, it’s their swan song to playoff hopes

Timberwolves nine-game gauntlet

The Timberwolves boast a record of 36-37 with just nine games remaining in their 2022-23 NBA season schedule. Mathematically speaking, this team can do no better than 45-37, and no worse than 36-46.  With each game played, the range of final records will tighten. Of course, if the Timberwolves win games, that range becomes more positive. If the team loses games, the range becomes more negative.

The Timberwolves remaining nine games are:

• Date               Opponent                                                    Time

1. March 22      vs Atlanta Hawks  (35-36)                      7:00 pm CT
2. March 26      @ Golden State Warriors (37-36)        7:30 pm CT
3. March 27      @ Sacramento Kings  (43-28)               9:00 pm CT
4. March 29      @ Phoenix Suns (38-33)                         9:00 pm CT (ESPN Broadcast)
5. March 31       vs LA Lakers (35-37)                               7:00 pm CT  (NBA TV Broadcast)
6. April 2             vs Portland Trail Blazers (31-40)         2:30 pm CT
7. April 4            @ Brooklyn Nets (39-32)                       6:30 pm CT
8. April 8            @ San Antonio Spurs  (19-52)              3:00 pm CT
9. April 9            vs. New Orleans Pelicans  (34-37)       2:30 pm CT

And so, as of March 20, 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves remaining nine games are against four teams with winning records, and five teams with losing records. Normally, that would cause enough reason for a measured bit of optimism. But the Timberwolves have struggled with NBA teams that are struggling this season. And so, any sub-.500 teams on the Timberwolves’ schedule should be viewed as just as dangerous as teams that are tuning up for the NBA playoffs.

The Minnesota Timberwolves entire 2022-23 season comes down to the final nine games on the Timberwolves schedule. Pressure? You bet. But it’s nothing compared to the best-of-seven series that begins if the Timberwolves earn the right to compete in the postseason. Even if the Timberwolves make the NBA Playoffs, they will face a far more talented opponent that has had all season to fine-tune their lineups and optimize their best tight rotations.

But that is all for another day. Right now, the Timberwolves have nine games to play to finish out their 2022-23 NBA season. For now, that is more than enough to keep them busy.