Ben Beecken here, the host of the daily Locked On Wolves podcast, with your daily Locked On Wolves newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Wolves and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
A critical stretch for the Minnesota Timberwolves + Wolves-Clippers matchup
Timberwolves’ Mounting Frustration and the Path Forward
The Minnesota Timberwolves are sitting at a record of 8-10, and the frustration is palpable.
As the Wolves gear up for crucial home games against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers over the next few days, there are several reasons why these games have now leveled up in importance — and it starts with Anthony Edwards’ postgame comments following Wednesday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Understanding the Frustration for Ant and fans alike
The recent boos at Target Center and Anthony Edwards’ candid comments after Wednesday’s loss are a fair snapshot of the team’s current struggles.
Edwards didn’t shy away from critiquing himself, his teammates, and even the fans in his remarks. While it’s always controversial for a player to address the fans, Edwards’ remarks were more about an equal-opportunity rallying of support during tough times. He emphasized the need for consistent energy and support, both from the team and the fans, regardless of the the way the wind is blowing during a game. Or, to use his word, everyone needs to stop being a “frontrunner.”
From a fan’s perspective, the frustration is understandable. When the team’s effort seems lacking, and one has invested time and money to support them, it’s natural to express disappointment. However, as a player, Edwards is asking to for unwavering support to help the team overcome slumps.
The Importance of Upcoming Games
The Timberwolves are currently on the outside looking in when it comes playoff contention, sitting 13th in the Western Conference. While it’s early in the season, the next few games are crucial. The team has lost seven of their last nine games, a streak that was never even approached last season. The upcoming home games against the Clippers and Lakers are opportunities to regain momentum and improve their standing.
Besides the fact that the Wolves can’t afford to sink to 8-12 before heading out on a West Coast road trip, these games are about setting the tone for the rest of the season. The Clippers and Lakers are teams the Timberwolves should beat. Winning these games would not only boost the team’s morale but also set a positive trajectory as they head into a challenging stretch of the season.
The Timberwolves’ defense has shown potential, now ranked ahead of their offense, which is a shift from earlier in the season. Consistency remains the key. The team needs to replicate the defensive intensity seen in brief stretches across entire games. This consistency will be crucial in turning the season around and climbing the Western Conference standings.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ current situation, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
- Analysis of Anthony Edwards’ post-game comments and their impact
- A look at the Timberwolves’ defensive improvements
- Upcoming matchups and their significance for the season
- The role of fan support in the team’s performance
- Strategies for the Timberwolves to regain their winning form
Nov 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel/Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Anthony Edwards went off on Wednesday night, and it wasn’t in the game.
The Timberwolves star had a lot of frustration to share after Minnesota lost to the Kings, and tallied their fourth straight loss in a row.
“We thought defense was our identity, and it’s not looking like that,” Edwards said in the locker room. “Our identity right now, me and Mike [Conley] was talking about it, I think is we soft as hell as a team, internally. Not to the other team, but like internally we soft, like we can’t talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids, just like we playing with a bunch of little kids. Like everybody, like the whole team, we just can’t talk to each other and we gotta figure it out, man, because we can’t go down this road.”
He spoke at length, not holding much back, but the most interesting flag came in Edwards comments about the team as a whole. He noted that everyone on the team had their “own agenda”, which made it particularly difficult for him, as the de facto leader, to get them on the same page. Wolves beat reporter for the Star Tribune, Chris Hine, said Edwards lamented the team was “growing apart”, partly because it felt so difficult to have honest conversations with teammates.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Biz Former Timberwolves GM and current president of Paris Basketball David Kahn predicts the NBA will be in Europe “within two years” (EuroHoops)
Fans Anthony Edwards has called out the Timberwolves’ fans for being disrespectful, sparking a conversation about fan conduct and team support. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Timberwolves host the Clippers in the latest NBA Cup group stage matchup. Read the preview.(NBA)
LaMelo Ball Is Out On Friday - What Are The Fantasy Basketball Implications?
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we gear up for a packed NBA schedule, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game with the latest injury updates and strategic streaming options. With ten games on the horizon, there’s plenty to consider for your fantasy basketball lineup.
Injury Updates and Streaming Strategies
The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets face off in an early game, and the injury report has thrown a few curveballs. Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson are out for the Knicks, while the Hornets are missing key players like Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Miles Bridges. The unexpected absence of LaMelo Ball due to a calf issue adds another layer of complexity. With Ball sidelined, Vasa Micic becomes a prime streaming target, offering value for both Friday and Saturday games. Keep an eye on Jalen Brunson, who seems to be finding his rhythm again, which is a positive sign for fantasy managers.
On the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks front, Darius Garland’s recent dip in usage and shooting is worth monitoring. Meanwhile, Trae Young’s impressive assist numbers continue to shine, despite some Achilles concerns. For streaming, Ty Jerome is a viable option if Dean Wade and Caris LeVert remain out, while DeAndre Hunter offers potential upside for the Hawks.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Wolves podcasts.
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