Wolves @ Jazz: A two-parter

By: Jonah Sprinkel

The Minnesota Timberwolves are interestingly unique. 10 days ago, they were dismantled by Philadelphia and their former leader, General Soreness. This was followed by a close loss to San Antonio. The team then won home-and-away games over Phoenix, one on a Derrick Rose near buzzer beater and the other in a blowout. Last night’s favorable result over the Lakers was all but a sure thing until mid-way through the fourth quarter. Oh, and Jerryd Bayless has logged nearly 60 minutes of play time in the last two games. Just like everyone predicted when the Wolves traded for him, Bayless has balled out in his increased role. The Wolves have an inverted home-and-away stand up next, this time against another former leader, Ricky Rubio and the Utah Jazz.
 
Game #1 – 1/25
What: Wolves @ Jazz
When: 8:00 PM CT
Where: Vivent Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
Where to watch: Fox Sports North
Where to listen: 830 AM WCCO
 
Game #2 - 1/27
What: Jazz @ Wolves
When: 6:00 PM CT
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Where to watch: Fox Sports North
Where to listen: 830 AM WCCO
 
Towns vs. Gobert: Karl-Anthony Towns has a reputation for struggling against large, some would say traditional, big men. Oddly enough, Rudy Gobert is not one of these players. In 11 matchups dating back to his rookie year, Towns is averaging just over 21 points on a 53/42/89 split and 11.5 rebounds. The Wolves have only won three of those games. The stats are nice, but Towns will need to elevate his game if the Wolves are to continue building on their three-game win streak.

A very chippy history:

A point guard problem: Derrick Rose left the Laker game with an ankle injury and did not return. Tyus Jones won’t be ready for at least a couple more games. Jeff Teague spent the Laker game in street clothes, it is unknown if he will play against Utah tonight. If Teague does not go, the Wolves would be left with Bayless and Jared Terrell, a two-way player. Supposing Teague does play, it’s safe to assume he won’t be 100%. The flexibility of the Jazz’s ball handlers was already going to be an issue for the Wolves defense. Their current point guard situation makes for a taller task.

Projected starters

Minnesota: PG Jerryd Bayless, SG Josh Okogie, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Taj Gibson, C Karl-Anthony Towns

Utah: PG Ricky Rubio, SG Donovan Mitchell, SF Joe Ingles, PF Derrick Favors, C Rudy Gobert

Injury report

Minnesota: Tyus Jones – OUT, Robert Covington – OUT, Derrick Rose – Day-to-day, Jeff Teague – Day-to-day

Utah: Raul Neto – OUT, Thabo Sefolosha – OUT, Dante Exum – OUT, Tony Bradley – OUT
 
Prediction

The Jazz are currently a playoff team and the third best defense in the league by the defensive rating metric. The Wolves are not in a playoff position and retain a league average offense. The Jazz are at home and favored by 11 tonight. Wolves lose, 115-102.