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.
How the Timberwolves’ defense stacks up to last year’s at the quarter pole
Timberwolves’ Defensive Evolution and Rudy Gobert’s Impact
The current version of the Minnesota Timberwolves defense is not quite up to par with the precedent that last year’s squad set. However, this year’s Wolves have shown recent flashes of brilliance, holding opponents to under 93 points in four consecutive games. However, the consistency seen last season, where they boasted the league’s best defense, remains elusive.
Defensive Metrics and Transition Challenges
This season, the Timberwolves’ defense ranks sixth in opponent effective field goal percentage, a slight drop from their first-place ranking on December 10th of last year. The increase in opponent effective field goal percentage from 49.2% to 53% highlights an area that has clearly been impacted by the issues with the Wolves’ transition defense; opponents have capitalized on fast-break opportunities, leading to higher scoring efficiency. This aspect of the game has skewed the overall defensive metrics, despite the Timberwolves maintaining strong performances in other areas like turnover and defensive rebound rates.
Rudy Gobert’s Influence on Lineups
Rudy Gobert’s presence on the court continues to be a game-changer for the Timberwolves. His impact is evident in the team’s best lineups, where his defensive skills shine. Gobert’s on-off statistics are impressive, second only to Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The synergy between Gobert and other key players like Naz Reid has proven effective, particularly in defensive scenarios. The combination of Gobert and Reed has shown to be more productive offensively than other pairings, such as Julius Randle with Gobert.
The Timberwolves’ offensive strategies also warrant attention. While their free throw rate has declined from seventh to 16th, largely due to Anthony Edwards’ shot selection, the team remains competitive in 3-point attempts and percentage. Edwards’ adjustment in shot selection has impacted the team’s overall free throw rate. Encouraging Edwards to drive to the basket more frequently would certainly enhance the Timberwolves’ offensive efficiency and free throw opportunities.
The Timberwolves are at a pivotal point in the season, with opportunities to refine their strategies and capitalize on their strengths. The focus on improving transition defense and optimizing offensive plays will be crucial as they aim to replicate last season’s defensive dominance. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ strategies and performance, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
- Analysis of the Timberwolves’ recent games against Golden State
- A look at Anthony Edwards’ shot selection and its impact
- Discussion on the Timberwolves’ lineup combinations and their effectiveness
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. | Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Whether you’re an NBA Cup convert or still a little dubious about the necessity of the in-season tournament, a primer might help. For one, the format has grown slightly less confusing moving into the eight team, single-elimination round — win or go home is pretty simple to follow. And if you’re hoping to soak up all the basketball you can in the minimal stretch of it through the next 10 days of Cup contention, you’re stuck with the tournament.
Let’s look at the four teams hitting the floor tonight.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Magic were delivered a particularly cruel blow to what’s been a hybrid Cinderella and simultaneously gritty season, with Franz Wagner’s injury. Wagner is out with a torn right oblique, the same injury the Magic’s star and his running mate, Paolo Banchero, is out with. Wagner’s timeline is indefinite, while Banchero is gearing up for a return, but there’s a slim chance it will come within the In-Season’s tournaments bounds. The Magic don’t want nor have any reason to rush things.
That said, this team has shown a next man up mentality in its extremes. What’s usually a coach-coded turn of phrase is taken literally by Orlando’s roster. On Sunday against the Suns, Goga Bitadze put up 21 points, Jalen Suggs had 26, Cole Anthony chipped in 14 and Franz Wagner’s elder brother, Moritz Wagner, came up with 10. All down the roster, everyone is doing a little bit of everything, and while the frustration is certainly there in losing two of their best players, it’s not what’s fuelling their effort.
The Bucks won’t be an easy team to beat, but the Magic will throw everything at them.
The Bucks are coming off a losing skid, beating the Nets over the weekend, are playing at home, and have gone undefeated in tournament games. Gary Trent Jr., who started the season off quiet, has looked great and Bobby Portis, who some fans have felt a cooling off for, is still filling the gaps where his team needs him to. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have averaged 29.3 points in tournament play, and Khris Middleton is back to round out that arsenal of very deep shooting.
Still, they find a unique matchup with the Magic though, given that Orlando’s defence allows the least amount of threes in the league. Even short-handed, the Magic will be pushing Milwaukee’s shooting threats as far out as they can, or else double- and triple-teaming them.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Mavs have found their footing after a slippery start to the season, winning seven of their last eight matches. Simultaneously, Luka Doncic was named Western Conference Player of the Week — he’s been averaging 29.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game over the last week.
The last time the Mavs and Thunder faced each other, OKC was short Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein and the Mavs were with Doncic. Now, all but Holmgren are back on the floor on what’s going to be a fun, potentially chippy, and playoff preview style game.
Doncic is traditionally loathe to hide his in-game reactions and mood, while the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unreadable, cool as anything partially as a way to further frustrate opponents. The two of them face-to-face, given their signature handles, disruptive flow, and steps ahead playmaking makes for a compelling matchup with an extra layer of body language translation.
The one weakness OKC has that the Mavs can capitalize on is bullying Hartenstein and hoping for early foul trouble. As the big man’s come back into the Thunder’s typical small-ball rotation, he’s been getting into foul trouble. It’s been manageable, but the Mavs will be looking to press it.
Both these teams are at different points in their competitive trajectories; the Mavs have felt a regression while the Thunder are finally and fully surging with confidence and the skill to back it up. It feels a little like a contested passing of the West’s proverbial torch, with OKC hungry for it and Dallas’ loathe to give it up. It’ll be good basketball.
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 Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for his recent comments about officiating. This decision underscores the NBA’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect within the league. Learn more. (Star Tribune)
Opponent The Timberwolves’ matchup against the Warriors highlighted the dynamic play of Steph Curry and the effective defense of Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Both teams brought intensity and skill to the court. Game details. (Star Tribune)
Must Read How the Raptors’ RJ Barrett ended up exactly where he needs to be. (SportsNet)
Friday, Dec. 13 | 7:00PM | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN | Get Tickets
Timberwolves @ Spurs
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 6:00PM | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX | Get Tickets
Knicks @ Timberwolves
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Key Fantasy Basketball Streaming Strategies
Dec 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper/Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
As we gear up for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, it’s crucial to identify where the streaming value lies for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. With only two games on Tuesday, the schedule is light, but the potential for strategic plays is significant.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Orlando Magic face off against the Milwaukee Bucks, with the Bucks entering as seven-point favourites. The Magic are dealing with significant injuries, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Gary Harris out, while Jonathan Isaac is questionable. This opens up opportunities for Cole Anthony, who is expected to step up in the absence of key players. Anthony’s scoring potential makes him a valuable addition to your fantasy roster, especially with the Magic needing someone to fill the scoring void.
On the Bucks’ side, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and MarJon Beauchamp are listed as probable.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Thunder are slight favourites, and both teams have straightforward schedules, playing Tuesday and then either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the outcome.
The status of Paul Washington Jr. and Naji Marshall is uncertain, which could lead to increased minutes for players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes.
Click the button below to get more tips on streaming options for this week of action.
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Timberwolves fall to Warriors as offense sputters once again, Steph Curry dominates late The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped their second consecutive home game in embarrassing fashion, falling behind by 21 to the Golden State Warriors and needing a bench-driven comeback that ultimately fell short as Stephen Curry dominated late.
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