Timberwolves 2018-19 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds, Record Predictions
The Minnesota Timberwolves finally reached the playoffs last season after 13 years of ineptitude. The question now is whether the team can build off this success in 2018-19.
Minnesota earned the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference on the last day of the regular season, but the squad only managed one postseason win in a first-round loss to the Houston Rockets.
While the roster looks similar heading into next season, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and others make up a core that is as talented as nearly any team in the NBA. However, the team has a difficult schedule in arguably the deepest division in the league.
2018-19 Details
Season Opener: Oct. 17 vs. San Antonio Spurs
Championship Odds: 100-1 (via OddsShark)
Full Schedule: NBA.com
Top Matchups
Milwaukee Bucks: First matchup Friday, Oct. 26
Unlikely most teams, the Timberwolves fared better against the Western Conference last season than the Eastern Conference.
The squad had a 34-18 record against Western teams, including a 10-6 mark against fellow Northwest Division opponents. The Rockets were the only team from the West that produced better against the tougher conference.
The problem was the 13-17 record against the Eastern Conference. This is what needs to change if Minnesota is going to climb the standings.
That can start against the border-state rival Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. were responsible for one of Minnesota's more disappointing losses of the season when the Wolves blew a 20-point lead in a 102-96 December loss.
New Orleans Pelicans: First matchup Wednesday, Nov. 14
With Towns quickly becoming one of the better centers in the league, the best measuring stick will be to go up against the best center: Anthony Davis.
Towns is coming off an outstanding year, as he made the All-Star team for the first time and was named third-team All-NBA. But the 22-year-old still has room to grow defensively, and Davis will be the ultimate test.
Considering Andrew Wiggins averaged 20.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in four wins against New Orleans last year, this game could provide more opportunities for the young guard to show what he can do offensively.
Prediction
This team has the talent on paper to be better than the eighth seed, but the division is loaded, especially with LeBron James now on the Lakers and the Grizzlies likely to be more of a threat when healthy.
The offense is fine, with Towns, Butler and Wiggins all capable of carrying the team on a given night while Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson and Jamal Crawford (should he re-sign) provide valuable scoring depth.
The bench is a bit of a concern, but it will be better if Tyus Jones gets more playing time while rookie scorers Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop reach expectations. However, as B/R's Adam Fromal noted, "During the 2017-18 season, not a single team turned to its non-starters for fewer minutes."
The much bigger concern is defense after the team ranked 27th in the league in defensive rating, per Basketball Reference.
Butler staying healthy would go a long way, though, while increased chemistry in the rotation will help as well. This won't be one of the top teams in the Western Conference, but the Wolves should be safely in the playoffs with a chance to reach the second round.
Record Prediction: 49-33
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