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.
Lineup tweaks for the Minnesota Timberwolves to consider + Wolves-Celtics tonight
Timberwolves Bench Trio Shines: Time for Lineup Changes?
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ bench has been a bright spot in recent games, outperforming the starting lineup in many instances. The trio of Naz Reid, Dante DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been particularly impressive, with their three-man lineups ranking in the 97th percentile league-wide.
This stellar bench performance stands in stark contrast to the struggles of the starting unit. The preferred starting lineup of Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert has slipped to the 54th percentile, with a plus-3.7 net rating. While still positive, it’s a far cry from the dominance we expected from this group.
As we approach the midway point of the season, it’s becoming clear that some rotation tweaks are necessary. Head coach Chris Finch has been hesitant to make drastic changes, but the sample size is now large enough to justify some adjustments.
Rotation Changes for Chris Finch’s Consideration...
One potential change could involve reducing McDaniels’ minutes and increasing DiVincenzo’s playing time. The Wolves should be able to survive with a smaller lineup, given Rudy Gobert’s impact and the versatility of Edwards and DiVincenzo as defenders. Another option is to stagger Julius Randle’s minutes more with Edwards, allowing for better scoring balance. And Josh Minott simply needs to play more, as his off-ball movement and athleticism could provide a spark to the offense.
The bench’s recent success is not just a fluke. DiVincenzo has found his scoring touch, reaching double figures in six of the last seven games. Reid has also rediscovered his form, joining DiVincenzo in scoring in double digits in six of the last seven contests. These performances, coupled with Alexander-Walker’s consistent play, make a strong case for increased minutes for the bench unit.
While there doesn’t necessarily need to be a complete overhaul of the starting lineup, it’s clear that some adjustments are needed to maximize the team’s potential. The Timberwolves still have the talent to be a top-tier team in the Western Conference, but finding the right balance in minutes distribution will be crucial to achieving that goal.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential lineup changes, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Preview of the upcoming Timberwolves vs. Celtics matchup
• Injury updates for both teams
• Analysis of the previous Wolves-Celtics game from November
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Can the Timberwolves meet their 2025 resolutions? Featuring insights on Anthony Edwards, Chris Finch, and the potential impact of Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham, this detailed analysis explores the team’s goals. (Canis Hoopus)
Honor Anthony Edwards has endorsed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as MVP, a sentiment echoed by betting markets. His support highlights respect among peers. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Timberwolves host the Celtics tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview. (NBA)
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
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