The Minnesota Timberwolves had another disappointing season, with they finished 13th in the West. Last season, they had modest expectations for the performances of D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Carl Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves struggled to stay fit, ending the game with a record of 23 wins and 49 losses.
During the offseason, the Timberwolves made small moves to improve the team. They added Taurus Prince, who will be a solid defensive wing for the team.
The Timberwolves beat the Houston Rockets in their first game of the season.
They won the game 124-106 and were in full swing. The victory in this opener could be a great start for the Timberwolves. With that said, here are four bold predictions for the 2021-22 season.
4. The Timberwolves are in the top ten offensively
While the Timberwolves' defense doesn't look strong, their offensive talent is strong. Carl Anthony Towns is the star of the team and it's hard to defend. They also have D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Malik Beasley, all of whom are excellent scorers.
The Timberwolves have a strong core scorer whose offense is destined to be at the top of the league. The sample size of the 124 points scored in the first game was small, but it showed their ability.
Take a look at the offensive capabilities of the Timberwolves this season, they are one of the deadliest teams in the NBA.
3. Carl Anthony Downs was named an All-Star
Towns is one of the best centers in the league, but hasn't played in an All-Star since the 2018-19 season. The two-time All-Star finally has solid lineup support for the Timberwolves, and he could return to the All-Star lineup this season. His scoring ability at three levels makes him a defensive nightmare.
In the first game, Towns scored a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds. He also contributed 2 steals and 2 blocks on the defensive end. Towns scored efficiently, including 75 percent of the three-pointers (basketball reference).
To be named to the All-Star Team, he will have a fair chance of competing. He will compete with current MVP Jokic, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert and others. Although it will be a tough game, Towns is expected to have a place in the All-Star lineup.
2. The Timberwolves win the game
They haven't made the playoffs since Jimmy Butler left the Timberwolves. This year, the team's roster seems to have enough talent to play games. Offense will be elite, but it will depend on improvements in defense throughout the season.
They don't need to have top defense in the league, but getting close to the middle of the league would be helpful. The timberwolves' success will depend on their young core. Second-year guard Anthony Edwards could be Wolves' key player in the playoffs.
Russell and Beasley's influence has also been crucial to timberwolves' success this season.
1. Anthony Edwards is more perfect
Anthony Edwards did well in the Timberwolves' rookie season, finishing second in the rookie poll of the year. The Timberwolves signed Edwards with the first pick in the 2020 draft, and he lived up to expectations.
Last season, Edwards averaged 19.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Although the sample size was small, Edwards took a leap from those numbers in the first race. Edwards scored 29 points and six rebounds, shooting 50 percent from the three-point line (basketball reference).
He was perfectly capable of jumping to the next level. Edwards is an extraordinary scorer who is already a tough guy in the Timberwolves' defense. If he's shot high in three-point shooting all season, it's going to be hard to stop Edwards.
Edwards is expected to make the leap this season to help the Timberwolves reach the playoffs.
With the start of the NBA's new season, the Timberwolves are in a good position. This year, Wolves have a chance to make the playoffs.
It won't be an easy road because the West has a ton of talented players, but the Timberwolves have a great young core to lean on.
The key to the Timberwolves getting to where they are today is Downs' health. He has been absent for the past two seasons, which is a matter of concern. If the Timberwolves can stay fit, they should be behind Edwards and Towns in the playoffs.