The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to bounce back from their embarrassing loss to the Toronto Raptors when they travel to Boston. The only problem is that they will be facing off with the defending NBA champion Celtics, and leaving TD Garden with a win will be an extremely tall task.
Boston has not missed a beat or showed any signs of a championship hangover in the early parts of this season. Through 16 games, they hold a 13-3 record and claim the third-best point differential in the association. Last week, they showed their championship DNA in taking down the 15-0 Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Celtics are still dominating the league through their five-out offense and three-point heavy attack. Joe Mazzulla is one of the best coaches in the game, and he has this team operating like a well-oiled machine. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have a plethora of problems on their hands at the moment.
Minnesota is struggling to build and maintain chemistry, especially when Mike Conley has been off the floor. Still being in the learning stage of understanding how to operate with their new teammates means the Wolves have issues that are fixable, but they are hindering the team’s performance for the time being. With that said, Anthony Edwards has pointed out that Minnesota has a way of stepping up to the challenge when they have a high-level opponent across from them.
Mike Conley (left great toe sprain) has been ruled out for this one, so Chris Finch will likely start Nickeil Alexander-Walker in his place like he did on Thursday. The Timberwolves’ projected starting five is as follows:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Anthony Edwards
Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Mike Conley remains out due to a sprained big toe in his left foot. Also out at Boston will be Jaylen Clark (two-way), Jesse Edwards (two-way), and Leonard Miller (G League assignment).
Jrue Holiday
Derrick White
Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum
Neemias Queta
Kristaps Porzingis (foot) is yet to play this season, and he remains out for Boston. Al Horford (illness) missed Friday’s contest with the Washington Wizards, and he is questionable for Sunday.
Timberwolves vs Celtics will be televised on FanDuel Sports Network, with tipoff set for 2:30 PM CT. Wolves fans can also tune into the game on NBA League Pass if they are located outside the Minneapolis and Boston markets.
Tuesday, Nov. 26 vs Houston Rockets (7:00 PM CT on FDSS)
Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs Sacramento Kings (7:00 PM CT on FDSS)
Friday, Nov. 29 vs LA Clippers (6:30 PM CT on ESPN)
Monday, Dec. 2 vs Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 PM CT on NBA TV)
Wednesday, Dec. 4 at LA Clippers (9:30 PM CT on NBA TV)
