Two of the Western Conference's top teams are colliding on Monday, with the claim to the top spot on the line. The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-14; 23-23-0 ATS) are on the road for round four against the Oklahoma City Thunder (32-14; 30-16-0 ATS) this season. At 8:00 p.m. EDT, Paycom Center will host the final meeting. The Thunder have won the last two meetings after the Timberwolves took the first head-to-head meeting. How will this one finish with the season series on the line?
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Minnesota brought a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter against the lowly San Antonio Spurs. They lost the game by one, dropping a contest that they should not and can not afford to in a tight Western Conference race. They'll try to get back on track without Jaylen Clark and potentially without Mike Conley (questionable). When things are going well, the Timberwolves boast the NBA's highest-rated defense this season. They allow the second-lowest field goal percentage in the NBA, ranking as a top-10 team at forcing misses from all three scoring levels. Minnesota is fifth in defensive rebounding percentage and solid at forcing turnovers. The Timberwolves surrender the sixth-fewest free throw attempts per game. This team allows the fewest points per game, so not many opponents like seeing them on the schedule.
OH MY ANTHONY EDWARDS.
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— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 28, 2024
Offensively, this team isn't as strong, even with Anthony Edwards leading the charge. Minnesota is 19th in offensive rating and 22nd in points per game. Their issues begin with a turnover percentage that's ranked 29th. The Timberwolves are 22nd in offensive rebounding percentage. Minnesota is a strong shooting team, with the league's seventh-highest true shooting percentage. They're second in three-point percentage although they're 26th in attempts per game. The Timberwolves also attempt the ninth-most free throws per contest. The hustle stats seldom work in Minnesota's favor, yet this team can knock down shots when given the opportunity.