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The Minnesota Timberwolves embarked on a terrific turnaround this season, with their star trio of Karl Anthony-Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell developing admirable chemistry together while emerging as commendable leaders as well. The acquisition of Patrick Beverley was a fabulous addition to the first unit of coach Chris Finch as a menace and defensive force.
The Timberwolves are the No. 7 seed heading into the 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament, and now they must triumph over a relentless Los Angeles Clippers squad to get in the playoffs. The advantage for Minnesota is that the pressure-packed match will be at its home floor at the Target Center. Experience is an edge for the Clippers, though, so Towns, Edwards, and Russell must step up to the plate and prove their talent at the highest level.
With this play-in game happening on Tuesday, here are some predictions for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Minnesota Timberwolves Play-In Tournament Predictions
3. Patrick Beverley limits PG-13 to under 20 points
The Timberwolves were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season. While boasting talented offensive players, they knew they needed a spark on defense, which is why Patrick Beverley was acquired. Beverley has helped lead Minnesota's much-improved defensive unit, and he will be counted on against guys like Paul George and even Norman Powell in this play-in game.
It is expected for Beverley to be in George's grill while constantly playing physical against his ex-teammate. The majority of George's shots will be of the tough variety in this play-in match, and he may be forced to become more of a facilitator and decoy in LA's schemes. The tough part for Minnesota is even if George struggles, the Clippers' deep roster of contributors could go off. Thus, it will take a full team effort for the young Timberwolves.
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2. KAT records 25+ points, 12+ rebounds
At the very minimum, Towns will dominate Ivica Zubac and Isaiah Hartenstein in the post and mix it up with some pick-and-pop conversions as well. One would easily remember that he tallied 60 points in a recent contest against the San Antonio Spurs, so Towns is the definite primary option in the offense for this bout.
The key is also for KAT to man the paint and crash the boards for 48 minutes. Even if the Clippers go small, they have wings like Terance Mann, Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington who will fight for every rebound and loose ball. Towns cannot be lackadaisical defensively because the aforementioned defense of Minnesota could be exploited at any given time.
1. Anthony Edwards is steady, propels Minnesota with fourth-quarter heroics
In his rookie season last year, Edwards was inconsistent and rattled in various instances, but that is far from the case in his sophomore campaign. There have been a plethora of clutch circumstances in which Edwards was not afraid of the biggest moments and came up big.
Without Leonard, the Clippers will have a huge hurdle to overcome with the offensive firepower of the Timberwolves. It will still be a close match until the fourth quarter because this iteration of the Clippers just never gives up. As the final minutes wind down, the pressure will start to mount, and Edwards will need to rise to the challenge to help out KAT in crunch time.
This will be the start of Edwards showcasing his skill level when all the eyeballs are on him. The Timberwolves would clinch a first-round series with the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies by beating LA. That would be a highly entertaining and intriguing series because of highlight-worthy stars like Edwards and Ja Morant, along with dominant bigs like Towns and Jaren Jackson Jr.
