The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off another disappointing season in which they finished 13th in the Western Conference. They had modest expectations headed into the last season with D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves struggled to stay healthy and finished with a record of 23-49.
In the offseason, the Timberwolves made a few minor moves that will improve the team. They added Taurean Prince, who will be a solid defensive wing for the team.
The Timberwolves picked up a win in the first game of the season against the Houston Rockets.
They were firing on all cylinders with a 124-106 win. This opening night victory could be the start of something great for the Timberwolves. With that said, here are four bold predictions for the 2021-22 NBA season.
4. Timberwolves have a top-10 offense
While the Timberwolves don't look strong defensively, they are loaded with offensive talent. Karl-Anthony Towns is the star of the team and is difficult to defend. They also have D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, and Malik Beasley, who are all excellent scorers.
With a good core of scorers, the Timberwolves offense is bound to be near the top of the league. Scoring 124 points in their first game is a small sample size but shows what they are capable of.
Look for the Timberwolves to have one of the most lethal offenses in the NBA this season.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns makes the All-Star team
Towns is one of the best centers in the league but has not made an All-Star appearance since the 2018-19 season. The two-time All-Star finally has a solid supporting cast with the Timberwolves and could return to being an All-Star this season. His ability to score at all three levels makes him a nightmare for defenses to match up with.
In the first game, Towns had a double-double with 30 points along with ten rebounds. He also contributed on the defensive end getting two steals and two blocks. Towns scored from everywhere at a high efficiency, including 75 percent from three (Basketball-Reference).
He will have his fair share of competition for a spot on the All-Star team. He will be competing with the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert, and more. While it will be a tough race, look for Towns to earn a spot on the All-Star roster.
2. T-Wolves make the play-in game
Since Jimmy Butler left the Timberwolves, they have been unable to make the postseason. This year, the roster seems to have enough talent to make it to the play-in game. The offense will be elite, but it will come down to the defense improving throughout the season.
They don't need to have a top defense in the league, but finishing near the middle of the league would be helpful. The Timberwolves' success will rely on their young core stepping up. Second-year guard Anthony Edwards could be the key player for the T-Wolves to make a playoff run.
Russell and Beasley's impact will also be critical for the Timberwolves success this season.
1. Anthony Edwards takes a jump
Anthony Edwards had a promising rookie season for the Timberwolves, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. The Wolves took Edwards with the first pick in the 2020 draft, and he has lived up to the expectations.
Last season, Edwards averaged 19.3 points per game along with 4.7 rebounds. Although it's a small sample size, Edwards took a leap from these numbers in the 1st game. Edwards dropped 29 points along with six rebounds while shooting 50 percent from behind the arc (Basketball-Reference).
He has all the talent to take a jump to the next level. Edwards is a phenomenal scorer and is already a tough guy to defend for the Timberwolves. If he can shoot at a high percentage from three for the whole season, it will be hard to stop Edwards.
Look for Edwards to take a leap this season and help the Timberwolves reach the postseason.
The Timberwolves are in a good spot as the NBA season begins for the first time in a while. This year, the T-Wolves have a real shot at making it to the playoffs.
It won't be an easy road since the Western Conference has a ton of talented rosters, but the Timberwolves have a great young nucleus to rely on.
A big key in the Timberwolves making it far is the health of Towns. He has been known for missing time over the past two seasons, which is a cause for concern. If the Wolves can stay healthy, they should make a run at the postseason behind the play of Edwards and Towns.
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