The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into the home stretch of the regular season with 26 games left on the schedule, and the stakes are high. Coming out of the All-Star break, they’ll host the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center on Friday, looking to solidify their place in a crowded Western Conference playoff picture. With a realistic finish anywhere between third and seventh, every game from here on out carries weight.
The good news? Minnesota has been one of the healthier teams in the league so far - and that’s been a major reason they’ve stayed near the top of the standings. If they can keep that trend going, they’ll give themselves a strong chance to make noise in the postseason.
Iron Men of the Roster
Three Timberwolves have yet to miss a game this season: Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid. DiVincenzo and Randle have been in the starting lineup every night, while Reid continues to thrive in his role off the bench - arguably one of the top reserves in the league right now. That kind of availability isn’t just rare; it’s invaluable.
Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert have each only missed two games, and in Gobert’s case, one of those was due to a suspension, not injury. That means five of Minnesota’s top six players have combined to miss just four games. In today’s NBA, where load management and injuries often dominate the narrative, that’s a massive advantage.
Managing Ant’s Minutes
The one exception to Minnesota’s run of good health has been their star, Anthony Edwards. He’s missed 10 games this season - more than he missed in his first three years combined.
Still, Edwards has suited up for 26 of the last 29 games, showing that he's trending in the right direction as the Wolves gear up for the final push. When he’s on the floor, the Timberwolves are a different team - more dynamic, more explosive, and unquestionably more dangerous.
Reinforcements Ready
Minnesota’s depth has quietly become a strength, especially with the addition of Ayo Dosunmu. The 26-year-old has only been with the team for three games, but he already looks like a natural fit. His ability to step in and contribute offers the Wolves a safety net if injuries start to pile up.
Joan Beringer has also emerged as a reliable option after spending the early part of the season largely on the sidelines. He’s made the most of his opportunities, giving head coach Chris Finch another piece to work with when the rotation needs a shake-up.
And there’s more help on the way. Terrence Shannon Jr. is expected to return Friday after being sidelined since Christmas Day with a left foot injury - the only long-term injury the team has dealt with this season.
Shannon’s rookie campaign hasn’t lived up to early expectations, but his return could inject some much-needed scoring and athleticism into the second unit. If he finds his rhythm, he could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Staying Healthy Is the Key
The Timberwolves have the talent, the chemistry, and now, the depth to be a real threat in the West. But as always, health will be the X-factor. If their core group can stay on the court, Minnesota has every reason to believe they can make a deep postseason run.
It’s been a strong, steady season so far - now it’s about finishing strong.