ESPN has been rolling out its annual NBA Summer Forecast this week. On Thursday, they presented their predictions for both the Eastern and Western Conference champions, as well as who would win the NBA finals. After seeing the results, it is evident that ESPN’s NBA insiders aren’t too keen on the chances of the Minnesota Timberwolves winning the franchise’s first title, or even coming close to reaching their first NBA finals/
3 Western Conference teams seen as more likely candidates to reach the NBA finals
ESPN’s NBA insiders were asked to rank their top three choices to come out of each conference (also to win the NBA finals). A first-place vote received five points, second-place received three points, and a third-place vote received one point.
The Timberwolves are substantially behind the top three teams in the Western Conference. Instead, they finished tied for fourth with the Lakers with just seven points.
After the way Minnesota somewhat easily disposed of the Lakers in the opening round of last year’s playoffs, it’s surprising to see them tied. Perhaps a full season with Luka Doncic will improve team chemistry, but the Timberwolves defeated them in five games despite entering the series as underdogs.
Unsurprisingly, the Thunder are in first with 106 points. That’s more than double the points anyone else received in the West. Coming in at second and third are the Nuggets (50 points) and Rockets (35 points).
When it comes to the oddsmakers, the Timberwolves are behind those three teams as well. At DraftKings Sportsbook, Minnesota is listed at +900 to win the Western Conference. The Thunder are heavy favorites at +170, followed by the Rockets at +450 and Nuggets at +500. The Timberwolves have slightly better odds than the Lakers (+1000).
Wolves not seen as a top five championship contender
The Thunder also dominated the NBA champions question with 101 points. The next four teams listed are the Nuggets (37 points), Cavaliers (27 points), Rockets (21 points), and Knicks (11 points).
It’s a bit disappointing that ESPN doesn’t have a remaining votes section, so it can be seen if anyone listed the Timberwolves as one of their top three choices. One thing is clear, though: their Summer Forecast panel frowns on the Timberwolves’ chances to win it all. Keep in mind, though, that very few had Minnesota advancing to the Western Conference finals last season. Shoutout to Tim Bontemps, who was the only one at ESPN to predict the Wolves to advance past the Lakers.