Minnesota Timberwolves fans are experiencing something they haven't experienced since 2004 season, a playoff race.

The fans seem to be really enjoying it and they have been coming out to Target Center in masses this year to catch a glimpse of one of their best teams in history.

But it's not only the fans are enjoying it, the players are also seeming to really enjoy the pressure that goes along with a playoff race, especially one that is as competitive as the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves currently have a record of 38-27 which puts them in third place in the Western Conference standings.

The Los Angeles Clippers, who sit in eighth place, are only 3.5 games back of the Timberwolves though so there really isn't much margin for error.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) looks on during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Klay Thompson’s heart-wrenching tribute to late dog RoccoJoey Mistretta ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the fourth quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
The key Jalen Brunson stat that set up Knicks’ Game 5 win vs. PacersRichard Pereira ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the second half at Target Center.
Pelicans rumors: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III no longer untouchableDavid Yapkowitz ·
NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Why Charles Barkley is skeptical of Inside the NBA’s transition to ESPNZachary Howell ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns major endorsement from ex-teammateAlex House ·
Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35), center Kendrick Perkins (5) and guard Reggie Jackson (15) talk against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center
Kendrick Perkins dishes on why 2025 Thunder is best in franchise historyJosue Pavon ·

The Timberwolves also have an uphill climb the rest of the regular season. They are entering probably their toughest stretch of the season. and they will have to do it all without Jimmy Butler who had surgery to repair his MCL, and no timetable has been given for his return.

Crawford so far this year is averaging 10.2 points while shooting 35 percent from deep. With Butler out though, he will be expected to take on a bigger role and will be a key for the Wolves to keep pace in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves next seven games are probably the make or break point for their season. They start with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night and then have to play the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.

If they can somehow get out of that stretch going about .500, they will have a really good chance to have a good seed for the playoffs.