The Minnesota Timberwolves are preparing to match up with the Los Angeles Lakers in round one of the Western Conference playoffs this weekend. While some are ready to pick the Lakers to win the series now, it is actually a matchup that has the potential to favor the Wolves in a big way.
Of course, the games are not played on paper. But Minnesota's size on the interior and especially the skill of Rudy Gobert as a rim protector will have the potential to massively alter the series against a Lakers team that no longer employs Anthony Davis. However, there is one prevalent concern that the Timberwolves will have to be prepared to make an adjustment for.
As we all know, it has not been the strongest season for Mike Conley. The composed veteran that Wolves fans came to love has often looked unlike himself in 2024-25. Bad shooting nights kept piling up as the season went on, in stark contrast to last year where Conley was an absolute sniper, especially on catch-and-shoot opportunities. A strong month of March saved him a bit, but it is still understood that this is not quite the Mike Conley from this past season.
Chris Finch may have to bench Mike Conley at some point
With that in mind, it leads us to believe that Conley will have to be used wisely in the series against the Lakers. Leaving him out there for too long while it is not his night shooting the ball could mean a loss, and we all know what a loss in this point of the season means.
Chris Finch likes to play Conley for his organizational ability, and how he brings a certain veteran mindset to ball-handling and playmaking. But with that ability a bit less sharp this season, Finch is going to have to consider going back to Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker sooner rather than later.
After DiVo and NAW started for a considerable portion of the regular season due to injuries, they proved that they can operate effectively in various lineups where Minnesota's offensive and defensive vision can still be realized. It is no secret that Finch loves to play Conley for extended minutes, but remembering the reliability of these other guys is going to be crucial in this series.
The Wolves are a legitimate championship contender. But making preventable mistakes like this one is what could ultimately sink them and send Minnesota home early.