Incredible as it may sound, Timberwolves can still avoid NBA Play-In Tournament

You might think that the Minnesota Timberwolves current record of 40-40 is quite limiting in terms of postseason competition. But as incredible as this may sound, the Timberwolves can still finish as the sixth-seeded team in the NBA Western Conference, and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament altogether. Of course, I would not be the mortgage on the likelihood for the Minnesota Timberwolves to do so, but the mathematical possibility exists, however unlikely.

The possibility exists because the Minnesota Timberwolves win in virtually any tiebreaker scenario that exists with all NBA Western Conference teams with 42 wins or less. What do I mean? Well, The Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers. and the New Orleans Pelicans have all won 42 games in the 2022-23 NBA season so far, while the Timberwolves are no better than 40-40. But the chance remains for the Timberwolves to end this regular season with 42 wins. Of course, many other factors must happen.

So let’s break it down:

Step I: Timberwolves must win out

For any of the mathematical magic and promising probability to take place, the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40) must win their final two contests. The Timberwolves must defeat the pesky San Antonio Spurs (21-59) in San Antonio, and then return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans (42-39) at Target Center. While the Pelicans game could be viewed as the more difficult opponent, the Timberwolves have struggled mightily this season when facing inferior opponents. The only positive news of the Timberwolves final two contests is the fact that if the Timberwolves defeat the Spurs, the final game of the season has significant importance to the team.

Step II: Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans must lose their final game

With one game remaining on their schedule, the Los Angeles Lakers (42-39) and the New Orleans Pelicans (42-39) must lose their final contests. For the Pelicans season, they must travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center to close out their season. The Lakers host the Utah Jazz (36-44) to close out the season. While the Jazz have won two of three contests against the Lakers so far this season, the Lakers are the odds-on favorite to win the final game.

Step III: Los Angeles Clippers must lose their final two contests

With two games on their schedule, the Los Angeles Clippers (42-38) must lose to both the Portland Trail Blazers (33-47) and the Phoenix Suns (45-36). The Clippers have won both contests against the Trail Blazers this season, and are heavily favored to complete the three-game sweep. Even if the Clippers lose to the Trail Blazers, they must also go on to lose to the Phoenix Suns as well.

While the Clippers vs. Suns contest is viewed as an even match for now, the Suns may opt to rest players in order to have a fully rested team ready to go for the NBA Playoffs. The Clippers have far more to play for in terms of seeding for the upcoming NBA Playoffs.