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NBA Projections Down on MN Timberwolves…
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- NBA Projections Down on MN Timberwolves…
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been bounced from the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons. After losing to the Dallas Mavericks first, they then dropped the series to eventual NBA champions Oklahoma City last year.
Chris Finch needs to get his team over the hump , and superstar Anthony Edwards taking yet another step forward is part of the equation to get them there. Having reached such significant heights in consecutive years makes the Timberwolves opportunity for the next step difficult. That's going to invite some doubters.
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Minnesota Timberwolves come up short in projections
Last season the Timberwolves finished with 49 wins . Their over/under this season, per FanDuel Sportsbook , is 49.5. ESPN writer Kevin Pelton's projection system doesn't see them getting there.
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The Timberwolves were one of my model's big misses a season ago, winning 49 games while projected for 42.7. In part, Minnesota benefited from favorable health on the perimeter. Nickeil Alexander-Walker 's departure means one of the Wolves' young guards will have to step into a rotation role, and Terrence Shannon Jr. — the most likely contender ahead of the season — projects poorly. But don't blame Minnesota fans for thinking their team is underrated after back-to-back trips to the conference finals.
It's fair to think that the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker is substantial. He was a significant glue guy for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he earned the payday through his play off the bench.
It also sounds like Terrence Shannon Jr. isn't getting enough respect from Pelton's system. It was evident last season that Shannon Jr. deserved more time in the rotation, and he began to see an expanded role in the playoffs. He made a mockery of the Summer League , and could quickly establish himself as another go-to option this year.
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While health was something that largely stayed on the side of Minnesota last year, the Timberwolves got just 69 games from Julius Randle . He was extended this offseason , and should be expected to remain in the starting lineup on a nightly basis.
Pelton still has the Timberwolves finishing with the 8th-best record in the league, which certainly makes them a playoff team. There isn't some cliff being suggested here. However, they may need to fight their way to The Finals through a gauntlet is they are a bit further down in the Western Conference standings.
Minnesota kicks off their regular season schedule on October 22 in Portland against the Trailblazers.
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