The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off an extremely disappointing performance on Tuesday night. After giving up 16 points in transition and turning the ball over 23 times, the Wolves fell in their first NBA Cup game to the lowly Portland Trail Blazers. Some of the team's most crucial mistakes continue to haunt them.
Now, they will leave the hotel and head right back to the arena to face the same foe just one night later. It is safe to say they will have some extra motivation to take care of business on Wednesday after such an underwhelming showing less than 24 hours before. Anthony Edwards said as much in the locker room after Minnesota's latest loss.
On Wednesday afternoon, a crucial injury update was provided for the Timberwolves that indicated Mike Conley would be out of the starting lineup for the second night of the back-to-back against the Trail Blazers. Conley will be taking a game off for rest.
It will be good for the veteran to get some well-deserved off time on the bench, but the resulting action of Minnesota Mike being out of the starting lineup could produce an exciting outcome. Many, including Timberwolves podcaster Dane Moore, have speculated that the Wolves could use this opportunity to get Rob Dillingham his first opportunity at big playing time.
Mike Conley resting could mean Rob Dillingham's chance
This would be a fantastic idea for Chris Finch and his staff, regardless of how well Dillingham ends up playing. For one, Conley is firmly on the older side, and his body is going to have a hard time holding up for a full 82-game season. Getting him some rest time was always going to be important regardless of everything else.
But then to get Dillingham a chance would be much-needed as well. Mostly because the Timberwolves and Tim Connelly specifically made it clear that they drafted him with the intention of having him be part of this rotation in his rookie year. To this point, Rob has played in four games and logged just 19 total minutes.
It is still early, but Dillingham probably needs to get out there and gain experience in order for him to truly reach his potential in his first season as a pro. Even the most talented guys will likely struggle without much in-game experience under their belts. Portland is a very beatable team even if Minnesota were to have multiple starters out of the lineup, and this is a perfect opportunity for Rob to shine.
Realistically, it would not even be a bad idea to throw Dillingham in the starting lineup just for one night. Finch and Connelly have both spoken highly of their young point guard prospect, and giving him a longer leash could work wonders for his development.