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Mike Conley Mike Conley hits four 3-pointers, scores 16 points
Sun, May 26, 2024, 10:20 PM
Mike Conley amassed 16 points (6-of-11 FGs), one rebound, four assists, one steal, and four 3-pointers in 31 minutes in Sunday's Game 3 loss to the Mavericks.
Analysis: Due to a strained soleus muscle, Conley is playing at less than full strength. However, give the veteran point guard credit for pushing through the injury, as he had another efficient performance in Game 3. The issue is that the Timberwolves don't have a good matchup for Conley on the defensive end of the floor. The calf injury keeps him from being effective in guarding Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving, and forwards Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington are too big. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (3/2/3 with one 3-pointer in 20 minutes) and Kyle Anderson (10 points, three assists, and two blocks in 17 minutes) may have to do a little more in Game 4 on Tuesday, but it won't matter if the Timberwolves don't get better play from Karl-Anthony Towns. |
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Karl-Anthony Towns Karl-Anthony Towns' struggles continue in Game 3
Sun, May 26, 2024, 10:13 PM
Karl-Anthony Towns shot 5-of-18 from the field and 4-of-5 from the foul line in Sunday's 116-107 loss to the Mavericks, accumulating 14 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in 38 minutes.
Analysis: Towns is mired in a brutal slump at the worst possible time. With Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki in attendance, the self-proclaimed âbest shooting big man of all timeâ missed all eight of his 3-point attempts in Game 3. And Towns is just 4-of-32 from beyond the arc over his last five games. Even with Jaden McDaniels (15/1/0/1 with three 3-pointers) and Mike Conley shooting the ball well, Minnesota's two stars (KAT and Anthony Edwards) have been thoroughly outplayed by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. As a result, Minnesota heads into Game 4 on Tuesday needing a win to keep its season alive. |
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Anthony Edwards Anthony Edwards records 26/9/9/2 line on Sunday
Sun, May 26, 2024, 10:09 PM
NBA on Twitter
Anthony Edwards played 43 minutes in Sunday's 116-107 loss to the Mavericks, accumulating 26 points (11-of-24 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds, nine assists, and two steals.
Analysis: Edwards gave Minnesota a much-needed spark during the third quarter, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and scoring ten points. However, he went quiet in the fourth, only attempting three shots (making two) and appearing tired on both ends of the floor. With Karl-Anthony Towns struggling, Edwards shouldered an even heavier workload than usual. With Dallas having Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to call on, that's a losing proposition for Minnesota. The Timberwolves will look to extend the series with a win on Tuesday night. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley (calf) available for Game 3 Sunday
Sun, May 26, 2024, 6:40 PM
NBA Injury Report
Mike Conley (right soleus strain) is available for Sunday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis: As expected, Conley will be available for Sunday's game. He will assume his usual responsibilities as the Timberwolves' starting point guard. Should Conley have any issues with his injured calf, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will play additional minutes off the bench. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley (calf) questionable for Game 3 Sunday
Sat, May 25, 2024, 3:40 PM
NBA Injury Report
Mike Conley (right soleus strain) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis: Once again, Conley shows up on the initial injury report due to his calf injury. Look for the Timberwolves to follow a similar pattern, with the veteran point guard's status upgraded after his pregame workout. Nickeil Alexander-Walker will start if Conley cannot play, but expect the veteran point guard to be available. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley finishes Game 2 loss with 18 points
Fri, May 24, 2024, 10:57 PM
Mike Conley accumulated 18 points (7-of-14 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), five rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and two 3-pointers in 33 minutes in Friday's 109-108 loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Conley has played 31 minutes or more in four straight games since missing Game 5 of Minnesota's second-round series with Denver with a strained right soleus muscle. However, his offensive impact was limited before Friday night. The 18 points are the most Conley has scored in a game since Game 2 of Minnesota's four-game sweep of the Suns. And his production on Friday was one reason why the Timberwolves had a chance to win despite Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns continuing to struggle. Conley hasn't suffered a setback regarding his calf injury, which has been one of the few positives for Minnesota in the conference finals. Game 3 is on Sunday in Dallas, with the Mavericks holding a 2-0 lead. |
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Rudy Gobert Rudy Gobert posts 16/10/2/2/1 line in Game 2 loss
Fri, May 24, 2024, 10:49 PM
Rudy Gobert logged 37 minutes in Friday's 109-108 loss to the Mavericks, recording a line of 16 points (6-of-10 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one blocked shot.
Analysis: Much will be made of Gobert switching onto Luka Doncic for the Mavericks' guard's game-winning 3-pointer, but one could argue that the Defensive Player of the Year should not have been in that position. And Gobert's play has been the least of Minnesota's concerns, as Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to struggle offensively. After shooting 6-of-20 from the field in Game 1, KAT was even worse in Game 2, going 4-of-16 and finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer. Regardless of what Gobert does (or doesn't do), the Timberwolves will find it challenging to turn this series around if Towns doesn't improve his play. |
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Anthony Edwards Anthony Edwards scores an inefficient 21 points
Fri, May 24, 2024, 10:37 PM
Anthony Edwards played 40 minutes in Friday's 109-108 loss to the Mavericks, tallying 21 points (5-of-17 FGs, 9-of-10 FTs), five rebounds, seven assists, one block, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: Edwards is in a slump at the worst possible time, shooting 18-of-57 from the field in his last three games. While the first of this downturn in production was Minnesota's Game 7 victory over Denver, his inefficiency has been problematic against Dallas. His saving grace in Game 2 was the foul line, with Ant-Man making nine of his 10 attempts. While Edwards has undoubtedly looked ready for the bright lights numerous times, there's still room for growth. The first two games of the Western Conference Finals have been a painful reminder for him and the Timberwolves. Game 2 is on Sunday in Dallas. |
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Naz Reid Naz Reid hits seven 3-pointers, scores 23 points
Fri, May 24, 2024, 10:31 PM
Naz Reid shot 8-of-13 from the field in Friday's 109-108 loss to the Mavericks, accounting for 23 points, two rebounds, two steals, one block, and seven 3-pointers in 32 minutes.
Analysis: With Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns again struggling, Reid was the Timberwolves player who upped his production in Game 2. The NBA Sixth Man of the Year hit seven of his first eight 3-point attempts and had a chance to save the Mavericks in the final seconds. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Reid's final attempt rattled out, and they now head to Dallas in an 0-2 hole. Reid scored 38 points on 59.1% shooting from the field in the first two games, and Minnesota will need similar production in Game 3. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley (calf) available for Game 2 Friday
Fri, May 24, 2024, 7:06 PM
Timberwolves PR on Twitter
Mike Conley (right soleus strain) is available for Friday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis: After playing 31 minutes in Wednesday's series-opening defeat, Conley is available for Game 2. The Timberwolves will stick with their usual starting lineup; Conley is joined by Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley (calf) questionable for Game 2 Friday
Thu, May 23, 2024, 4:49 PM
NBA Injury Report
Mike Conley (right soleus strain) is questionable for Game 2 against Dallas on Friday.
Analysis: Conley is once again listed as questionable on the injury report, but after playing 31 minutes in Game 1, he should be good to go again on Friday. If not, Nickeil Alexander-Walker should slide into the starting unit in his place. |
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Naz Reid Naz Reid tallies 15 points, full line in Game 1
Wed, May 22, 2024, 10:58 PM
Naz Reid shot 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-4 from the foul line in Wednesday's loss to the Mavericks, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers in 24 minutes.
Analysis: As has been the case throughout this season, Reid gave the Timberwolves solid production off the bench in Wednesday's Game 1. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, their bench outscoring the Mavericks reserves by a 28-14 margin didn't mean much. Kyle Anderson added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer in 17 minutes, shooting 5-of-8 from the field. While Reid and Rudy Gobert (12/7/1/1/2 in 38 minutes) recorded full stat lines, the struggles of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards were too much to overcome. Minnesota will look to tie the series in Game 2 on Friday night. |
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Karl-Anthony Towns Karl-Anthony Towns scores 16 points in Game 1 loss
Wed, May 22, 2024, 10:53 PM
Karl-Anthony Towns finished Wednesday's 108-105 loss to the Mavericks with 16 points (6-of-20 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 34 minutes.
Analysis: Minnesota's top two offensive weapons struggled on Wednesday, with Towns shooting 6-of-20 from the field and Anthony Edwards slightly better at 6-of-16. KAT shot 51% from the field in the second-round series against Denver, and he was a 52.6% shooter in four regular-season meetings with the Mavericks. However, each meeting with Dallas was played before the trade deadline, so Wednesday was KAT's first look at a Mavericks lineup that included PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. If the Timberwolves are to win this series, Towns has to be more efficient than he was in Game 1. Game 2 is on Friday night. |
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Jaden McDaniels Jaden McDaniels scores team-high 24 points Weds.
Wed, May 22, 2024, 10:44 PM
Jaden McDaniels shot 9-of-15 from the field in Wednesday's Game 1 loss to Dallas, tallying 24 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and six 3-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: After shooting 6-of-9 from three in the final two games of Minnesota's second-round series win over Denver, McDaniels stayed hot in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. He made six of his nine attempts from deep against the Mavericks while also leading the Timberwolves in scoring. On a night when Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined to score 35 points on 12-of-36 shooting, McDaniels' performance kept Minnesota within striking distance. He and the Timberwolves will look to even the series at one-all on Friday. |
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Anthony Edwards Anthony Edwards struggles in Game 1, scores 19 PTS
Wed, May 22, 2024, 10:39 PM
Anthony Edwards played 41 minutes in Wednesday's 108-105 loss to the Mavericks, accounting for 19 points (6-of-16 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and five 3-pointers.
Analysis: On Wednesday, Edwards made his first appearance in the Western Conference Finals, and he was not his usual self offensively. He settled too often in Game 1, with 12 of his 16 shot attempts coming from beyond the arc. By comparison, only 36% of Edwards' shot attempts in Minnesota's second-round series against Denver were 3-pointers. The good news for DFS players is that he offered solid production in the rebound and assist categories while making five 3-pointers. However, if Minnesota is to win this series, they need Ant-Man to do more work off the dribble than he did on Wednesday. Game 2 is on Friday night. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley (calf) available for Game 1 Wednesday
Wed, May 22, 2024, 7:06 PM
Timberwolves PR on Twitter
Mike Conley (left soleus strain) is available for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis: Conley is officially available after the Timberwolves listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. The veteran point guard takes his usual place in the starting lineup alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley (calf) questionable for Game 1 Weds.
Tue, May 21, 2024, 5:41 PM
NBA Injury Report
Mike Conley (left soleus strain) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis: Questionable for Wednesday's series opener, Conley played in Games 6 and 7 of Minnesota's second-round series against Denver despite having that tag. Due to the soleus strain, the veteran point guard missed Game 5 of that series. Given the trend, DFS players and bettors should expect to see Conley on the court on Wednesday. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the most likely choice to fill the void if he cannot play. |
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Anthony Edwards Anthony Edwards limited to 16 points in Game 7 win
Sun, May 19, 2024, 9:57 PM
Anthony Edwards shot 6-of-24 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Sunday's 98-90 win over Denver, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers in 44 minutes.
Analysis: On Sunday, Edwards got off to a brutal start, shooting 1-of-7 from the field in the first half. He was better in the third quarter, but give Ant-Man credit for not letting his offensive struggles impact his defense. He defended Jamal Murray well in the second half, and multiple members of Minnesota's âsupporting castâ stepped up offensively. Backcourt partner Mike Conley added 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in 39 minutes. Next up for Minnesota is Dallas in the Western Conference Finals; Game 1 is on Wednesday. |
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Jaden McDaniels Jaden McDaniels scores 23 points in Game 7 victory
Sun, May 19, 2024, 9:50 PM
Jaden McDaniels played 39 minutes in Sunday's 98-90 win over the Nuggets, amassing 23 points (7-of-10 FGs, 6-of-7 FTs), six rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers.
Analysis: Minnesota won the final two games of this series after getting blown out in Game 5, and McDaniels' improved play had much to do with the turnaround. He scored 46 points in Games 6 and 7, shooting 15-of-20 from the field. Already a highly impactful defender, McDaniels' progression as a scorer has paid dividends for the Timberwolves. He must continue that production in the Western Conference Finals, as McDaniels will likely be assigned Luka Doncic. Game 1 of that series is on Wednesday night. |
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Karl-Anthony Towns Karl-Anthony Towns posts 23/11/2/2/1 line in Gm 7
Sun, May 19, 2024, 9:41 PM
Karl-Anthony Towns finished Sunday's Game 7 victory over the Nuggets with 23 points (8-of-14 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: On a night when Anthony Edwards struggled, Towns came up big offensively for the Timberwolves. He recorded his first 20-point double-double since Game 2, Minnesota's 26-point blowout win in Denver. While Towns scored in double figures in each game, the rebounding and defensive production is just as crucial for the Timberwolves. One of the team's more maligned players, KAT was one of their most valuable in the franchise's second-ever Game 7 victory. Minnesota will host Dallas in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday. |
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