The Timberwolves have tied their longest winning streak of the season after their 134-114 away win over the Kings.
After five straight wins, the Timberwolves have a record of 13 wins and six losses since January, making them fifth among all Western Conference teams over the same period. The Timberwolves currently have a record of 29 wins and 25 losses, ranking seventh in the West and just one win away from the Nuggets, who are sixth in the West.
In addition, the Timberwolves are also three wins ahead of the eighth Clippers in the West, so their current position is still very solid, there is no threat of a decline in the ranking for the time being, and it is possible to continue to rise.
If they can advance to sixth place in the West, the Timberwolves will go straight to the playoffs without having to play in the playoffs. Even if they can't finish in the top six in the West, the Timberwolves have great hopes of returning to the playoffs this season. In the past 17 years, the Timberwolves have only made the playoffs in one season.
It is worth mentioning that the Timberwolves will not only return to the playoffs this season, but also have the potential to squeeze the Lakers or Clippers out of the playoffs. After the Timberwolves enter the top eight of the West, the Los Angeles Double Male Lakers and Clippers will have a team fall out of the top eight of the West, and the Lakers who are currently missing the top eight in the West are the Lakers.
Of course, even if they miss the top eight in the West, the Lakers or Clippers have a chance to make the playoffs, but they have to win two play-offs. And with their current rankings, there's a good chance the two teams are competing directly for the last playoff spot in the West.
The Lakers and Clippers competed for the final playoff spot through the playoffs, which was indeed unexpected by many people, and this can not blame the Timberwolves for entering the top eight of the West, only the Lakers and Clippers themselves have not performed well this season.
The Clippers' poor performance is understandable, because Leonard and George have suffered injuries, and it is difficult to say when they will return. Although the Lakers also suffered injuries, James and Thick Brow both missed some games due to injuries, but the main reason for their poor performance is not injuries, and the team lineup has problems, especially Westbrook's performance is not strong, dragging the team's hind legs.
After more than half a season of running-in, it turns out that Wei Shao is not suitable for the Lakers, but due to the serious decline in Wei Shao's personal state, even if the Lakers want to trade Wei Shao, no team is willing to take over, because Wei Shao's contract is too big. It is precisely because Wei Shao's salary exceeds 40 million, and the Lakers cannot prevent Wei Shao from playing, but Wei Shao is a side effect on the court, which will also affect the unity of the locker room. If you can't solve the problem of Good Westbrook, the Lakers may not even be able to enter the playoffs this season.