Trail Blazers pending decision may help Timberwolves playoffs chances
By Bret Stuter
The Minnesota Timberwolves have quite the task ahead of them. With a record of 37-37, this team must overcome the eight remaining games of their 2022-23 NBA season. Complicating the matter even further, the Timberwolves have a bit of a gauntlet to endure to close out their season. This team plays five games on the road, including their current three-game road trip to the Pacific Southwest, and just three games at home in Target Center.
Six of the remaining eight games are against NBA teams who are also pushing hard to get to the NBA Playoffs in their own right. But the biggest worry is that of the remaining two teams who are not chasing postseason possibilities, the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs, each holds a 2-1 advantage over the Timberwolves in the direct competition this season.
So the Minnesota Timberwolves need a break, and as far as the Trail Blazers go, they may be getting one:
Sources: The Portland Trail Blazers are leaning toward shutting down All-Star Damian Lillard for the season's final nine games. The franchise is seriously considering taking precautions as Lillard deals with calf injury and the team is 3.5 games out of Play-In Tournament race.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2023
Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard has faced the Timberwolves in all three games this season and has averaged 37 minutes, 34 points, three rebounds, six assists, and one steal per game. He has all but carried the Portland Trailblazers to victories over the Timberwolves in two of their three head-to-head matchups this season.
Trending. Timberwolves must outplay these 6 NBA teams down the stretch. light
If he is shut down, that will be good news for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as it will most certainly improve the likelihood of winning at least one of the remaining eight games. And that is one more win on their final record. Unfortunately, to earn that win, the Timberwolves must learn how to defeat lesser opponents, something this team has struggled with all season.