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10/31/2016 0 Comments Gameday Primer: Wolves - Grizzlies
By: Dan Slaubaugh
Happy Tuesday, Wolves fans. Tonight, the Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) are in town to face the Wolves (0-2) in what should be a packed Target Center crowd for the home opener. In two games under (one against Memphis) new head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Wolves have held early double digit leads only to completely squander them in the 2nd half. The Grizzlies have started the season strong at 2-1 with wins over Minnesota and Washington. The Wolves look to get revenge tonight without starting point guard Ricky Rubio, who is out indefinitely after suffering a sprained right elbow against Sacramento on Saturday. What: Wolves - Grizzlies When: 7:10pm CT Where: Target Center - Minneapolis, Minnesota. Where to watch: Fox Sports North Where to listen: 830 WCCO Radio What to watch for: Dunn's minutes: Kris Dunn has played just 35 minutes over his first two NBA games, so we shouldn't expect him to play over 35 minutes a night in place of Ricky Rubio. Expect Dunn to receive around 32 minutes with John Lucas III or Tyus Jones garnering the rest of the 15-17 minutes. Hence, the Wolves bench will have to find a way to gel with a new floor general leading the 2nd unit. How will MIN adjust, finish strong?: The Wolves were outscored 52-39 in the 2nd half of the season opener against Memphis due in large part to poor defense (particularly protecting the 3pt line), poor rebounding, and poor free throw shooting. Thibodeau has found some good things in this team so far, particularly their fast starts, but realizes his young players need to find a way to finish ballgames. The next step is reducing mental mistakes in crunch time, and hitting their dang free throws. Rebounding: Whoever leads tonight's rebounding category will have a good chance of walking away with a victory. Zach Randolph has been an absolute beast so far this season averaging 18pts/9rbs per game and killed the Wolves in the season opener. That said, Minnesota will need contributions from their entire frontcourt tonight if they want to keep Gasol and Randolph off the glass. Quick Notes Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging just 5 rebounds per game. The Wolves have struggled at the free throw line through the first two games, shooting 69% at the line vs. Memphis and 71% at the line vs. Sacramento. Gorgui Dieng comes into tonight's game fresh off of signing a four-year, $63 million contract extension. The move was great for both parties involved.
Dieng has grabbed 27 rebounds in the first two games, tied for the team's 5th-highest total through the first two games (Garnett 35 in 2004).
Prediction Minnesota has a great challenge in front of them tonight with their best playmaker and leader Ricky Rubio unavailable. However, I'm not so sure I can envision a Tom Thibodeau team starting 0-3. #Wolves win 96-91. Towns gets his first double-double of the season. Dunn puts up 12/6. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the game. Go Wolves.
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10/29/2016 0 Comments Gameday Primer: Wolves @ Kings By: Dan Slaubaugh
Happy Saturday, Wolves fans. Tonight, the Wolves (0-1) are in Sacramento for a matchup against the Kings (1-1). The Kings have had a pretty strong start to their season. They defeated the Phoenix Suns 113-94 on Opening Night, then fell to the Spurs 102-94 on Thursday despite a strong effort from Demarcus Cousins, who poured in 37 points and 16 rebounds while finishing 3-5 beyond the arc. The Wolves are coming off of a 102-98 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Opening Night that saw way to many missed free throws and Thibs' defense getting killed behind the arc. It was kind of a weird game. Not often will you see Karl-Anthony Towns go scoreless two out of the four quarters in a basketball game. The Wolves look to rebound tonight at the brand new Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. What: Wolves @ Kings When: 9:30pm CT Where: Golden 1 Center - Sacramento, California. Where to watch: Fox Sports North Where to listen: 830 WCCO Radio What to watch for: Towns-Cousins: Two of the best big men in the NBA will match up in SacTown tonight. The former Kentucky bigs are a threat from anywhere on the floor, having the ability to face you up on the perimeter and back you down in the post. Both are prototypical modern NBA bigs, possessing solid handles and passing instincts like guards. Tonight should be a treat to watch for all basketball fans, especially since Cousins missed three out of the four games against Minnesota last season because of injury problems. Joerger on a mission: A big reason Dave Joerger was brought in by Sacramento was to help fix the Kings defensive problems. Through two games, they've looked pretty sound on that end rotating better and giving maximum effort. Sound familiar? Yep. Thibodeau and Joerger have both sparked improvement on the defensive side of the ball, and hope to see it continue tonight. Wolves bench: For the most part, the Wolves bench was a non-factor in Wednesday night's lost to Memphis. Kris Dunn looked pretty good, leading the bench with eight points. However, Rush, Muhammad, and Bjelica only combined to score five points. Simply, at least two out of those three need to contribute every night or the Wolves starters will have a large task of making up deficits the bench has created. Quick Notes In four games against the Kings last season, Towns averaged 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. Cousins is averaging 30.5 points and 11 rebounds through two games this season. This will be the Kings third game in the last four days. Injury Report Minnesota: None Sacramento: None Prediction The Wolves bench comes to play and Sacramento runs out of gas in the fourth quarter. Wolves win 105-97. Bjelica hits two three pointers, finishes with 11 points. Towns and Cousins combine for 55+ points. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the game. Go Wolves. 10/26/2016 0 Comments Gameday Primer: Wolves @ Grizzlies By: Dan Slaubaugh
It's opening night in Memphis, and the Wolves are fully healthy and ready to begin the quest of bringing playoff basketball to the city of Minneapolis. What: Wolves @ Grizzlies When: 7:00 pm CT Where: FedExForum - Memphis, Tennessee. TV: Fox Sports North Radio: 830 WCCO I'm not sure how to place bets, but I'd like to put money on the game tonight. The Grizzlies will be without starting forward Chandler Parsons (knee), PF Brandon Wright (ankle), and lockdown wingman Tony Allen (knee). So yeah, things are looking good for Minnesota heading into tonight's game. What to watch for: Gasol vs. Towns: These are two of the top five big men in the league. Towns had no trouble dealing with Gasol in last Wednesday's preseason game at the Target Center, putting up 31 points and 9 rebounds on 7-10 shooting in just 21 minutes. But make no mistake, Gasol will be a different beast tonight when the games actually count. If one of these bigs can get the other into foul trouble early, it will play big along the course of the game. That said, Towns must defend without fouling tonight, which won't be easy considering Gasol added a 3pt shot (6-13 in 5 preseason games) to his game over the offseason. Randolph coming off the bench: David Fizdale opting to have Randolph on the bench when the ball tips isn't necessarily a demotion for Randolph. He'll still get plenty of minutes, and might be able to utilize mismatches better against opposing frontcourt players off the bench rather than the starting group. For example, when Thibodeau subs Bjelica in for Gorgui tonight he will assuredly have to guard Randolph. Not exactly the guy you want defending an old fashioned back-to-the-basket bully-ball post in Randolph. Team defense is something Thibodeau has preached and Bjelica might need a good dose of it tonight trying to handle the bulky veteran. Underrated pg's: Ricky Rubio and Mike Conley are two of the most underrated pg's in the league (although Conley's $153mil contract doesn't really reflect that). They're both pass first point guards, with Conley being the better scorer out of the two. They're both great one-on-one defenders who are very active on the defensive end of the ball. For Memphis, Conley will need to be at his absolute best (scoring AND facilitating) tonight if they want to walk away with a win. For Minnesota, Ricky just needs to do what he's been doing all preseason. Limit turnovers, dish the ball, and make hell for opposing backcourts on defense. Quick Notes Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng will both start on Opening Night for the first time in their careers. Kevin Garnett currently holds the franchise record for most points scored on Opening Night at 34 (Sacramento - 11/5/99). Will that record be broken tonight? The Wolves are 16-11 all-time in season openers and 3-7 when starting the season on the road. Ricky Rubio will make his 4th consecutive Opening Night start, which will tie him for the 3rd-longest streak in team history. Projected Starters Minnesota PG: Ricky Rubio SG: Zach LaVine SF: Andrew Wiggins PF: Gorgui Dieng C: Karl-Anthony Towns Memphis PG: Mike Conley SG: James Ennis SF: Vince Carter PF: JaMychal Green C: Marc Gasol Injury Report Minnesota: None Grizzlies: Chandler Parsons (knee), Brandon Wright (ankle), Tony Allen (knee) The Prediction Home teams on Opening Night are usually favored, but given that Memphis will be without two of their starters and a key bench player, I'm opting with Minnesota in this one. Plus, the Grizzlies are notoriously awful on Opening Night boasting a 1-15 record in their short history. Wolves win 100-92. Towns puts up 26/11. Rubio dishes out 12 assists. Dunn scores his first career points off of a steal. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the game. Go Wolves.  Posted by: Dan Slaubaugh
Congratulations, basketball fans. You've made it. The 2016/17 NBA season is upon us, which means it's time for our 2nd annual OTP Season Prediction Roundtable. Sit back. Relax. Grab a cup of coffee. You might need it. Just don't spill it and burn yourself after reading the hottest takes in the Upper Midwest. Wolves Edition Most Valuable Player Dan Slaubaugh: Karl-Anthony Towns Zach More: Karl-Anthony Towns Alex Berg: Karl-Anthony Towns Eric Page: Karl-Anthony Towns Ryan Schmidt (StreetHistory): Ricky Rubio Tim Parochka: Karl-Anthony Towns Most Improved Player DS: Nemanja Bj3lica ZM: Zach LaVine AB: Nemanja Bjelica EP: Zach LaVine RS: Ricky Rubio TP: Shabazz Muhammad Defensive Player of the Year DS: Ricky Rubio ZM: Ricky Rubio AB: Ricky Rubio EP: Karl-Anthony Towns RS: Ricky Rubio TP: Andrew Wiggins Who leads the team in scoring? DS: KAT. The ball is going to be in his hands A LOT. ZM: Andrew Wiggins AB: Karl-Anthony Towns EP: Karl-Anthony Towns RS: Andrew Wiggins TP: Andrew Wiggins Three bold predictions DS: The Wolves will finish top 8 in total three pointers attempted ... Karl-Anthony Towns will make All-NBA 2nd Team ... Adreian Payne will be on a different team come All-Star weekend. ZM: Bazz gets traded at the deadline ... Wolves finish at least four games under .500 ... KAT battles injuries all season. AB: Zach LaVine averages at least 17 points per game ... Nemanja Bjelica leads the bench in minutes and finishes 2nd on the team in made three pointers ... Kris Dunn's field goal percentage is lower than Ricky Rubio's. EP: The Wolves won't trade Ricky Rubio this year ... Andrew Wiggins will average 5+ rebounds per game ... Zach LaVine will surpass Wiggins as the Wolves' second-leading scorer. RS: Zach LaVine wins 3rd Slam Dunk Contest Trophy and retires from Slam Dunk Contest after ... Nemanja Bjelica takes starting spot from Gorgui Dieng and Dieng goes back to 3rd BIG in the rotation ... Kris Dunn isn't ready to be a point guard in the NBA. TP: The Wolves win less than 39 games ... Ricky Rubio's name is brought up at the trade deadline ... Shabazz Muhammad understands basic defensive principles. Any All Stars? DS: The big man from Kentucky ZM: Karl-Anthony Towns AB: Karl-Anthony Towns EP: Karl-Anthony Towns RS: Andrew Wiggins. KAT as an injury replacement. TP: Karl-Anthony Towns And finally, the burning question: Will the #Wolves end their 12-year playoff drought? Why or why not? DS: The Wolves won 29 games last year. That said, one would assume a 13-win spike would have to occur if they wanted a chance at that 8 seed. If health is kind, I truly believe a 45 win season (16-win spike) could be in the mix. This team's core has been generally healthy over the past three years. Because of that, I'll go out on a limb and put them at 44-38. Playoff basketball will return to Minneapolis. ZM: No, this team will be vastly improved but they will take a while to fully grasp Thibodeau's system. The team will lose to many games they shouldn't still due to poor three-point shooting. AB: Yes. I think the Wolves will benefit from a relatively easy schedule early in the season to build a strong base for the season and will be able to stay in playoff position as the season goes on and the team matures. Also, I think some teams in the West will drop off. EP: Yes. The pieces are in place. It'll be a growth process early in the year as the team adjusts to Thibs' style and X's and O's. Once the team hits its stride, there's no way this isn't one of the top eight teams in the West. RS: Yes, because they'll be a middle of the pack defensive team, which will be a difference maker. Plus, the bench will finally be above average. TP: No. I like to compare Tom Thibodeau in the same context as Mike Zimmer coming to Minnesota. It took time for Zimmer to implement his system on the young Vikings roster to be adopted. It will be the same for Tom Thibodeau with the Minnesota Timberwolves. NBA Edition Most Valuable Player: DS: LeBron James ZM: Russell Westbrook AB: Russell Westbrook EP: Russell Westbrook RS: LeBron James TP: Russell Westbrook Most Improved Player DS: Devin Booker ZM: D'Angelo Russell AB: Jabari Parker EP: D'Angelo Russell RS: D'Angelo Russell TP: Jabari Parker 6th man of the Year DS: Jamal Crawford ZM: Andre Iguodala AB: Brandon Knight EP: Andre Iguodala RS: Jamal Crawford TP: Andre Iguodala Rookie of the Year DS: Joel Embiid ZM: Brandon Ingram AB: Kay Felder EP: Joel Embiid RS: Joel Embiid TP: Joel Embiid Team that will surprise people DS: The Jazz, who would have made the playoffs last year if health would have been kinder. The additions of George Hill, Joe Johnson, and Boris Diaw should provide depth uncanny to the rest of the league, which could have them in the mix for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Plus, they're defense is going to be really, really good. ZM: The Utah Jazz. This team probably makes the playoffs last year without injuries. The talent they have is not talked about enough in the NBA with Favors, Hayword, and Gobert. They also made a great move in the offseason to acquire George Hill. AB: Denver Nuggets. A lot of young talent there. If they can stay healthy, I think they'll be in the mix for a playoff spot up until the final week of the season. EP: The Thunder. It's easy to focus on what the Thunder won't have this year with KD's departure to Golden State, but with Russell Westbrook leading the way, this team is going to surprise a lot of people. Their big men will take a step forward, and it'll be interesting to see how Victor Oladipo will emerge. RS: The 76ers will be surprising mostly because they won't be incompetent anymore. At least they won't seem incompetent. Joel Embiid has shown some definite skills in his preseason action. They get good production out of Dario Saric. The East will regress back a bit as a conference allowing the 76ers to win some more games. TP: Phoenix Suns. The suns have a solid mix of veterans, Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight and a young stud, Devin Booker entering his second season. Defensive Player of the Year DS: Kawhi Leonard three-peats. ZM: Kawhi Leonard AB: Kawhi Leonard EP: Kawhi Leonard RS: Kawhi Leonard TP: Kawhi Leonard Coach of the Year DS: Brad Stevens ZM: Brad Stevens AB: Tom Thibodeau EP: Tom Thibodeau RS: Tom Thibodeau TP: Brad Stevens Bold predictions, anyone? DS: The Magic experiment to go "big" fails ... Damian Lillard finally makes the All-Star team off the get-go rather than as an injury replacement. ZM: KG is on a roster after the all-star break. AB: The Warriors will lose most of their games in November and April and will have a winning streak of over 24 games in between ... KAT finishes as a runner-up for MVP ... Giannis Antekounmpo potentially finishing the season averaging a triple-double will be a storyline in April. EP: The Knicks will be good, and fun to watch ... The Warriors will struggle early ... James Harden will shave. TP: Dwight Howard finds himself with the Atlanta Hawks...The Chicago Bulls experiment doesn't work. Eastern Conference playoff predictions DS: (1) Cavaliers (2) Celtics (3) Pacers (4) Raptors (5) Bulls (6) Hawks (7) Pistons (8) Knicks ZM: (1) Cavaliers (2) Celtics (3) Raptors (4) Pacers (5) Hawks (6) Wizards (7) Hornets (8) Knicks AB: (1) Cavaliers (2) Celtics (3) Raptors (4) Pacers (5) Wizards (6) Bulls (7) Pistons (8) Knicks EP: (1) Cavaliers (2) Celtics (3) Raptors (4) Pacers (5) Hornets (6) Knicks (7) Bucks (8) Heat RS: (1) Cavaliers (2) Celtics (3) Raptors (4) Pacers (5) Hawks (6) Wizards (7) Bucks (8) Pistons TP: (1) Cavaliers (2) Raptors (3) Celtics (4) Pacers (5) Hawks (6) Hornets (7) Bulls (8) Bucks Western Conference playoff predictions DS: (1) Warriors (2) Clippers (3) Spurs (4) Trailblazers (5) Jazz (6) Thunder (7) Wolves (8) Grizzlies ZM: (1) Warriors (2) Clippers (3) Spurs (4) Trailblazers (5) Thunder (6) Grizzlies (7) Jazz (8) Rockets AB: (1) Warriors (2) Spurs (3) Clippers (4) Thunder (5) Trailblazers (6) Wolves (7) Jazz (8) Rockets EP: (1) Warriors (2) Clippers (3) Spurs (4) Thunder (5) Trailblazers (6) Mavericks (7) Wolves (8) Jazz RS: (1) Warriors (2) Clippers (3) Spurs (4) Thunder (5) Trailblazers (6) Mavericks (7) Wolves (8) Jazz TP: (1) Warriors (2) Clippers (3) Spurs (4) Grizzlies (5) Thunder (6) Traiblazers (7) Wolves (8) Jazz Eastern Conference Finals matchup DS: Cavaliers vs. Pacers ZM: Cavaliers vs. Celtics AB: Cavaliers vs. Celtics EP: Cavaliers vs. Celtics RS: Cavaliers vs. Celtics TP: Cavaliers vs. Celtics Western Conference Finals matchup DS: Warriors vs. Clippers ZM: Warriors vs. Clippers AB: Warriors vs. Clippers EP: Warriors vs. Thunder RS: Warriors vs. Clippers TP: Warriors vs. Clippers NBA Finals matchup DS: Cavaliers vs. Warriors ZM: Cavaliers vs. Warriors AB: Cavaliers vs. Warriors EP: Cavaliers vs. Warriors RS: Cavaliers vs. Warriors TP: Cavaliers vs. Warriors NBA Champion DS: Golden State Warriors. I hate that I put this. ZM: Golden State Warriors AB: Cleveland Cavaliers EP: Golden State Warriors RS: Cleveland Cavaliers TP: Golden State Warriors 
By: Dan Slaubaugh
Welcome to OTP's first edition of "House of Highlights", where we break down and have some fun with gif's/videos from the previous night of Wolves basketball. We began with last night's 101-94 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Minnesota obliterated Memphis the majority of night, leading 90-50 with 2:40 to go in the third quarter. Ricky and KAT were awesome. LaVine shot flames. Let us begin. 
"Mr. Do It All" Karl-Anthony Towns is operating around the high post, an oddity/blessing that NBA coaches dream about in their sleep, when he decides to kick it to Brandon Rush on the perimeter. Rush then makes a quick move inside the perimeter and hoists up a floater when JaMychal Green decides to not box out Towns, who makes him pay for it by rushing past him on his way to a put-back lay up off Rush's miss.
This is just further evidence of how freaking good Towns is, who pump fakes to get Gasol to bite and consequently blows past him using his supreme athleticism to finish at the rim.
The incredible hands of Ricky Rubio strip the ball away from a cutting DJ Stephen's. The Spaniard then smartly dribbles away from the center of the court to give KAT some more running space and a better opportunity to connect for a layup or dunk. Rubio executes his plan perfectly with a nifty bounce pass leading to a KAT SLAM which brought the Target Center faithful out of their seats.
Here, Ricky just surveys the floor as he brings the ball up and sees a mismatch Towns has with Mike Conley at the basket. He probably had two options here with LaVine in the corner ready for a catch-and-shoot three pointer. But Towns was a surefire basket.
Simple play. Two points. Wolves lead by 19. 
The Wolves run a double-screen here for Zach LaVine, who curls around a brick KAT receiving a pinpoint pass from Rubio that leads to a silky-sweet jumpshot from outside the arc.
That is beautiful form by Zach LaVine. 
This P&R is one of the most efficient plays in the game. It always has been. And LaVine perfectly executes it with a simple bounce pass to a rolling KAT who finishes with the up-and-under against Gasol.
The Wolves are built to run and there's not many better in the league that can feed them ball like Rubio can.
Just a phenomonal touchdown pass from the Unicorn here ignited by a great run-out from LaVine. 
LaVine continued to shoot flames going 8/16 from the field leading to an efficient 18 points. Some nice action here between him and Gorgui.
In what world do we live in where the Wolves 2nd unit ball movement is this good?
I leave you with a masterful air pass by Towns that finds Brandon Rush in the corner for an open trey which he nails.
### 'Twas a fun night at Target Center seeing the Wolves obliterate their opponent. Here's to hopes for many more. Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful Thursday. |
