Top 3 first-round matchups for the Timberwolves

Sacramento Kings

Staying once again in California, the Sacramento Kings are the likeliest first-round matchup for the Timberwolves of the three.

This one may come as a surprise to many fans as the Kings have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league and are frankly one of the most fun teams to watch. Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox have both been incredible this season, Malik Monk is having a Sixth Man of the Year campaign, and their home court advantage is one of the best in the league. So if all this is true, why would the Wolves want an opening-round matchup with the Kings?

Experience, play style, and reputation are what it comes down to. Sacramento is the first team on this list with less playoff experience than the Wolves, which can play a big factor in high-pressure situations. The Kings' offense can be explosive at times but has also proven to be streaky. The Wolves excellent defense can take advantage of the Kings' streakiness.

Additionally, Minnesota will have an opportunity to get their so-so offense going against the King's 23rd-ranked defense.

Towns and Sabonis both have negative playoff reputations surrounding their names. Both players will likely be vying to change this perception. Towns would likely be the beneficiary of this as his primary defender would likely be a smaller player Harrison Barnes, while Sabonis would have to have Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner Gobert defending him in the half-court.

The main thing everyone would want to see is the battle between the otherworldly athletes that are Edwards and Fox. This matchup would be the talk of all the media and bring attention to two smaller, yet up-in-coming markets. For this reason alone, it would be a matchup the Timberwolves would look forward to.

Two great teams with young talent colliding; this series would have the potential to be one of the best in all of the postseason but should favor the higher-seeded Wolves ever so slightly.