Recently, the initial over/under win totals were released for each NBA team. DraftKings has the Minnesota Timberwolves’ line set at 50.5 wins. This is the fourth-highest line in the Western Conference and the seventh-highest line in the league. As a result, the oddsmakers view the Wolves as clear title contenders. Let’s dive into some more takeaways from this initial line.
The Wolves are in an elite class
This past season, the Wolves won 49 games. However, after their Western Conference Finals run and Julius Randle being acclimated to the Wolves for a full season, a slight win increase is certainly reasonable. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, the Wolves won 56 games. Still, only two Western Conference teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, reached this 51-win threshold in the 2024-25 season.
However, there were three 50-win teams and three teams, including the Wolves, who won 48 or 49 games. Consequently, the Wolves' 50.5 line is plausible. Even if they don’t surpass this line, winning around 50 games would be a successful season for the Wolves. Winning 50 games is the sign of a contending squad, and the Wolves are one of seven teams to reach this threshold.
The Thunder led the way with a line of 62.5 wins, followed by the Cavaliers (55.5), Rockets (54.5), Nuggets (53.5), Knicks (52.5), Magic (51.5), and Wolves (50.5). The oddsmakers are sending a clear message that these are the seven main contenders, with the Thunder being the heavy favorites. With a line of 47.5 wins, the Lakers are just outside of this group. The championship odds are similar as the Thunder are heavy favorites, and the Wolves are ranked fourth among Western Conference teams.
Given OKC’s dominance, paired with the improvements of Denver and Houston, this order makes sense. Minnesota exposed some of the Lakers' roster flaws in the playoffs, and while landing Deandre Ayton will help somewhat, losing Dorian Finney-Smith is a devastating blow. As a result, it’s logical for the Wolves to be viewed above them in the West.
A high yet attainable goal
While it’s nice for the Wolves to be getting the respect they deserve, it comes with a clear standard. The Wolves are expected to win 50 or so games and be clear contenders. If they don’t win within this range, this season could be viewed as somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, with a core that just went to the Conference Finals and Anthony Edwards possibly even reaching another level at 25 years old, the Wolves should be confident they can meet these expectations.