After falling to 21-20 for the season, there is a very real chance the Minnesota Timberwolves fall to .500 again with a trip to Dallas up next.
A close loss to the Grizzlies means the Minnesota Timberwolves have dropped two straight games. Only the similar mediocrity of the 21-21 Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns keeps them in ninth place.
Despite this, the 2024-25 season is not shaping up as the T-Wolves envisaged, with their plans ripped apart by the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Their momentum was recently disrupted by an injury to Donte DiVincenzo, who has missed time with a toe injury.
The T-Wolves gave up an unprotected first round pick in 2031 and a protected first rounder in 2030.
And now with Dillingham showing signs of potential, they are being advised to double down, and focus on his development with additional playing time.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor noted Dillingham’s recent contribution, and commented: “They needed Rob Dillingham off the bench, like you need a rookie who’s like 170 pounds to be a contributor for your team.
“And I think at this point, Finch needs to play, Dillingham 30 minutes a night.
“Just screw it, see how you can get out of him. Try to invest in his development as much as possible.
“Because Tim Connolly in that Minnesota front office, they did that deal for multiple firsts to move up to eight with San Antonio as their big swing.
“They’re betting on Dillingham. So I think Finch needs to get on the same page there and just throw out Dillingham out and see what you can get out of him, because [Mike] Conley is just not the same guy, like he had a great career.”
Rob Dillingham playing time
Rob Dillingham is a long way from playing 30 minutes a night. He got 17 against the Grizzlies, and made the most of it.
For the season he is averaging 9.8 minutes per game. This has increased recently, going from 8.8 per game in December to 16.8 in January.
So it’s trending in the right direction for the rookie – but they are yet to truly commit to him. All in good time.
Related Topics
“Screw it” – Minnesota Timberwolves told to make change to back trade up, coach and front office warned
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in a state of mediocrity for far too long, and it seems like the time for change is now. With a disappointing record and lackluster performances, the team has been under fire from fans and critics alike.
Recently, the front office has been warned that significant changes need to be made in order to turn things around. From backing trade deals to shaking up the coaching staff and front office, the message is clear: it’s time for a fresh start.
While it may be a tough pill to swallow, sometimes drastic measures are necessary in order to see improvement. The Timberwolves have the potential to be a competitive team in the NBA, but they need to make bold moves in order to get there.
So, to the Timberwolves organization, it’s time to say “screw it” and make the changes needed to bring success back to Minnesota. The fans are counting on you.
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Modern sports writing focuses less on telling readers exactly what happened in a game, and for good reason. There are countless ways to instantly glean the big moments from a game even if you didn’t watch it live as long as you have a computer, tablet or a phone.
If you’re reading this right now, I assume you have at least one of the three.
Writers who cover specific teams for their “beats,” then, are tasked with telling readers the story beyond what was plainly visible: the sights and sounds, the introspective quotes and the big-picture perspective that come from having access to players and coaches.
The Star Tribune is lucky to employ many talented beat writers, including Timberwolves writer Chris Hine. When he covers a game, as he did Monday in Memphis, he will tell readers what happened. But he will also take you deep inside the locker room.
It’s probably fortunate for Hine that sports writing has taken this pivot in recent years. Otherwise, he would probably end up writing nearly identical game stories a lot this season, and particularly when the Wolves lose.
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and I talked about the familiarity of the 108-106 loss to Memphis during Tuesday’s Daily Delivery podcast, while Hine will join Wednesday’s show to offer even more insights into this Wolves season.
The Wolves have played 28 “clutch” games, the most in the NBA, and are 12-16 in those games. That accounts for all but five of their losses this season.
With more time to ruminate on it, I was able to create a handy template of sorts for Wolves fans who might want to construct their own more traditional game recaps without having to start from scratch every time. In the case where there are multiple options, you choose which one is applicable. Here you go:
Another Tough Loss for the Timberwolves
Another night, another disappointing loss for the Minnesota Timberwolves. It seems like we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of close games that ultimately end in defeat. But fear not, Timberwolves fans, because I’ve come up with a simple template to help us process these all-too-familiar losses:
1. Start by acknowledging the frustration and disappointment you’re feeling. It’s okay to be upset about yet another loss, but try not to dwell on it too much.
2. Reflect on the positives from the game. Maybe a player had a standout performance or the team showed signs of improvement in certain areas. Find something to be hopeful about.
3. Look ahead to the next game. The beauty of sports is that there’s always another opportunity to bounce back. Keep faith in the team and trust that they’ll turn things around.
4. Remember that it’s just a game. While it’s natural to be invested in the success of your favorite team, it’s important to keep things in perspective. There are more important things in life than a basketball game.
So next time the Timberwolves suffer a tough loss, remember this template to help you navigate the emotions that come with it. Stay strong, Timberwolves fans – better days are ahead.
If there is anyone willing to take a risk on trading for Randle it’s the Chicago Bulls. They’re clearly in rebuilding mode and will also likely be looking to deal at the NBA trade deadline as well.
There’s been trade rumors surrounding Lonzo Ball, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic all season. Since trading away DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls have tried to push the pace more offensively. With DeRozan, the ball stayed stagnant and forced the team to adapt to his iso style of play. The addition of Randle gives them a legit power forward that can keep up with their new style of play.
Some of the issues Minnesota has been having with Randle has been his chemistry playing alongside Rudy Gobert. Because he demands so much room in the post, it has clogged up space for Randle. He isn’t used to that. In Chicago, he would playing alongside Vucevic, who like him is capable of stretching the floor. Which would give Randle space to work in the post more often than he’s been given with the Wolves.
Although things haven’t gone well for Randle in Minnesota, he is still a very talented power forward. Possibly, the tremendous amount of pressure put him on to perform has interfered with his game. With the Bulls, he wouldn’t have nearly as much pressure, and more opportunities to be a playmaker offensively. Sort of like he was used to doing during his tenure with the New York Knicks.
Patrick Williams is a decent option at power forward, but Randle would be a huge upgrade for Chicago. He isn’t nearly as active on the glass as Randle, doesn’t score as much or as efficiently.
Chicago has many options they could offer Minnesota, which alone makes them a front runner. Due to the Wolves’ lack of financial flexibility, they’ll need teams with moveable contracts to match Randle’s $33 million per year contract. The Bulls have options that would attract Minnesota like a distributing point guard like Ball, or a scorer like White.
While those are great trade options for the Wolves, the Los Angeles Clippers may have more attractive trade possibilities.
New York Knicks: The Knicks have been rumored to be interested in making a big splash at the trade deadline, and adding Julius Randle would certainly do just that. Randle would provide the Knicks with a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and play solid defense. Pairing him with rising star RJ Barrett could give the Knicks a dynamic duo to build around for the future.
Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks are in need of a frontcourt upgrade, and Julius Randle could be the perfect fit. Randle would provide the Mavericks with another scoring option alongside Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, giving them a formidable trio to compete in the Western Conference. Randle’s ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches could take the Mavericks to the next level.
Miami Heat: The Heat are always looking to improve their roster, and adding Julius Randle could give them a boost in their quest to return to the NBA Finals. Randle’s scoring ability and versatility would fit well with the Heat’s fast-paced, positionless style of play. Pairing him with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo could create a formidable frontcourt that would be tough for any team to match up against.
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are in need of frontcourt help, and Julius Randle could provide them with a much-needed scoring punch. Randle’s ability to score inside and out would give the Warriors another offensive weapon to complement Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. With Draymond Green handling the defensive duties, Randle could thrive in the Warriors’ system and help them make a deep playoff run.
Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in San Francisco. (Image via AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy)
The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the American Airlines Center, but all eyes remain on Luka Doncic‘s injury status. The star guard has been sidelined since Christmas Day with a calf injury, and fans are eager to know if he will make his much-anticipated return to the court. Luka Doncic sustained the injury during a game against the same Timberwolves team they are set to face tonight. Since his absence, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled, winning only four of their last 13 games. Before the injury, Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, making his absence a significant blow to Dallas’ campaign. Reports indicate that the Slovenian guard is making progress in his recovery and could return before the All-Star break.
Luka Doncic (Image via USA TODAY Sports)
In addition to Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks are dealing with multiple injuries that have hampered their season. Klay Thompson, another key player, is listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Dante Exum (recovering from right wrist surgery), and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) have all been ruled out for tonight’s matchup. Quentin Grimes (back spasms), Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), and Naji Marshall (illness) are also listed as questionable, further complicating the team’s rotation. Despite these setbacks, the Dallas Mavericks are hopeful that Luka Doncic’s return will provide the much-needed boost to their playoff aspirations. The Minnesota Timberwolves, on the other hand, have had a relatively better run this season, though they are coming off two consecutive losses. They will be looking to capitalize on the Mavericks’ injury struggles and get back in the win column. As the game approaches, fans are left wondering whether “Luka Magic” will grace the court tonight or if they will have to wait a little longer. Regardless, the matchup promises to be an exciting battle as Dallas fights to stay competitive in the Western Conference standings. With or without Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks need to find consistency and resilience to overcome their current challenges and keep their postseason hopes alive. Also read: Will Jonathan Kuminga play tonight against the Sacramento Kings? Latest update on the Golden State Warriors star’s injury report (January 22, 2025)
Let us know if you want to watch the Dallas Mavericks play tonight without their star guard. We feel that the game will not be any less entertaining with Doncic’s presence on the court.
As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, fans are eagerly awaiting the latest update on star player Luka Doncic’s injury status. Doncic, who has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury, has missed the last few games and his absence has been felt on the court.
According to the latest injury report, Doncic is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves. The Mavericks coaching staff and medical team are closely monitoring his progress and will make a game-time decision on his availability.
Doncic’s presence on the court is crucial for the Mavericks, as he is a dynamic playmaker and scorer who can take over games. However, the team will prioritize his long-term health and well-being, so they will not rush him back if he is not fully ready to play.
Fans will have to wait for the official announcement closer to game time to see if Doncic will be suiting up tonight. In the meantime, Mavericks supporters are hoping for a speedy recovery for their star player so he can return to action and lead the team to victory. Stay tuned for more updates on Luka Doncic’s injury status.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are taking a road trip to face off against the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks have the home-court advantage, but the Timberwolves are expected to win by 2.5 points.
Last Monday, the Timberwolves didn’t have quite enough to beat the Grizzlies and fell 108-106. Minnesota was up 53-37 in the second but couldn’t hold on to the lead.
Despite their defeat, the Timberwolves saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Naz Reid, who went 11 for 20 en route to 29 points plus eight rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Julius Randle, on the other hand, was considerably less helpful: he went 0-7 from long range.
Meanwhile, the point spread may have favored the Mavericks last Monday, but the final result did not. They fell to the Hornets 110-105. The contest was a 55-55 toss-up at halftime, but Dallas couldn’t quite close it out.
The Mavericks might have lost, but man, Daniel Gafford was a machine: he dropped a double-double on 31 points and 15 rebounds. Gafford’s performance made up for a slower game against the Thunder on Friday. The team also got some help courtesy of Kyrie Irving, who scored 33 points plus three steals.
The Mavericks struggled to work together and finished the game with only 19 assists. They were dismantled by their opponents in that department as the Hornets posted 28.
Minnesota’s loss ended a four-game streak of away wins and brought them to 22-21. As for Dallas, their defeat was their sixth straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 23-20.
The Timberwolves didn’t have too much breathing room in their matchup against the Mavericks in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, but they still walked away with a 105-99 victory. Will the Timberwolves repeat their success, or do the Mavericks have a better game plan this time around? We’ll find out soon enough.
Odds
Minnesota is a slight 2.5-point favorite against Dallas, according to the latest NBA odds.
The line has drifted a bit towards the Timberwolves, as the game opened with the Timberwolves as a 1-point favorite.
The over/under is 216.5 points.
See NBA picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now.
Series History
Dallas has won 6 out of their last 10 games against Minnesota.
Dec 25, 2024 – Minnesota 105 vs. Dallas 99
Oct 29, 2024 – Dallas 120 vs. Minnesota 114
May 30, 2024 – Dallas 124 vs. Minnesota 103
May 28, 2024 – Minnesota 105 vs. Dallas 100
May 26, 2024 – Dallas 116 vs. Minnesota 107
May 24, 2024 – Dallas 109 vs. Minnesota 108
May 22, 2024 – Dallas 108 vs. Minnesota 105
Jan 31, 2024 – Minnesota 121 vs. Dallas 87
Jan 07, 2024 – Dallas 115 vs. Minnesota 108
Dec 28, 2023 – Minnesota 118 vs. Dallas 110
The Dallas Mavericks are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in an exciting NBA matchup. If you’re looking to catch all the action live, here’s everything you need to know about the game:
Date: [Date of the game]
Start Time: [Start time of the game]
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To watch the game on TV, tune in to [TV channel] at [start time]. If you prefer to stream the game online, you can do so on [online streaming platform]. Don’t miss out on this thrilling NBA matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Get ready to cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the game!
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The Timberwolves haven’t been firing on all cylinders recently, losing four of their last six games. Despite Minnesota’s recent struggles, Dallas has been slightly worse, dropping four of their last five while recording a 10-11 record with Luka Doncic out of the lineup this season.
Of the 11 losses Dallas has tallied with Doncic inactive, all of them have been by three-plus points. With Anthony Edwards displaying more aggressiveness in recent outings for Minnesota, the T-Wolves are in a decent spot to cover this line as they’ve gone a formidable 13-10 against the spread (ATS) on the road this season.
As mentioned above, Edwards has been more aggressive on the offensive end of the court in recent games. Ever since Edwards expressed his frustrations about being double-teamed often when he possesses the ball following a loss to the Boston Celtics earlier this month, he’s produced 28-plus points in 8 of his last 10 contests.
Additionally, Edwards has notched 30-plus points in 6 of his last 10 outings, so there’s value in taking his alternate points prop in Wednesday’s clash versus Dallas.
Across his last 10 appearances, Edwards is averaging 21.9 field goal attempts per game, 10.5 three-point attempts per game, and 8.5 free-throw attempts per game while registering a 56.8% effective field-goal percentage, 48.6% three-point percentage, and 87.1% free-throw percentage during that span.
Even though the Mavs are 10th in adjusted defensive rating (111.4), they present Edwards with the potential of a more fast-paced game as Dallas operates at the 9th-fastest pace.
With Dallas dealing with a variety of injuries and Edwards shouldering plenty of Minnesota’s offensive production, the All-Star guard could be in store for yet another outing where he nets 30-plus points.
Despite the Mavericks losing 110-105 to the Charlotte Hornets in their previous game, it wasn’t due to a lack of effort from Daniel Gafford. Gafford logged season-best marks in points (31), rebounds (15), and blocks (7) in the loss to the Hornets as he made his third straight start with Dereck Lively sidelined with an ankle sprain.
While Lively returning with no restrictions on Wednesday could throw a wrench into things, I’m still willing to take Gafford to post two-plus blocks against the T-Wolves. Gafford has accrued multiple blocks in each of his last six starts, and Minnesota is a team that surrenders quite a few swatted shots to the center position.
Along with sitting at 21st in block rate allowed (10.3%), the Timberwolves are giving up the fifth-most blocks per game (2.6) against centers this season. As long as Gafford draws another start for the Mavs on Wednesday, there is value in laddering his blocks to four-plus in a sneaky good matchup versus the T-Wolves.
The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.
Bet: Mavericks -6.5
The Mavericks have been playing well lately, with Luka Doncic leading the way. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have struggled on the road this season. With the Mavericks favored by 6.5 points at home, this is a solid bet to consider.
Player Prop: Luka Doncic Over 29.5 Points
Doncic has been on fire recently, averaging over 30 points per game in his last five contests. Against a struggling Timberwolves defense, Doncic should have no problem hitting the over on his points total.
Bet: Over 226.5 Total Points
Both the Mavericks and Timberwolves have been scoring at a high rate recently, with the Mavericks averaging over 110 points per game and the Timberwolves over 108. With both teams likely to push the pace in this matchup, the over on total points is a strong bet to consider.
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Cleveland was without forward Evan Mobley, who sat with right calf soreness, and Isaac Okoro, sidelined with a right AC joint sprain.
MINNEAPOLIS — Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points, Darius Garland added 29 and the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers took control in the second half and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 124-117 on Saturday night.
With the teams tied at halftime, Cleveland (35-6) outscored Minnesota by 10 in the third quarter and opened the fourth with a 10-0 run to seize control.
Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and Julius Randle finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for Minnesota.
Cleveland was without forward Evan Mobley, who sat with right calf soreness, and Isaac Okoro, sidelined with a right AC joint sprain. Both played in Thursday’s loss to Oklahoma City.
Minnesota was also missing a key player as guard Donte DiVincenzo sat for the second straight game with a left great toe sprain.
Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history to score 8,000 points. Only LeBron James and Kevin Durant reached 8,000 points at a younger age than Edwards.
Cavaliers: Cleveland responded well after its biggest loss of the year, a 20-point rout by the Thunder on Thursday. The Cavs’ win prevented what would have been just their second two-game losing streak of the season.
Timberwolves: Minnesota seemed to run out of gas after halftime on the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Knicks on Friday in New York. The Wolves are 2-4 this season in the second game of back-to-backs.
Ty Jerome scored six straight points to end the third quarter, including a three-point play with 4.1 seconds remaining in the quarter, to give Cavaliers a 10-point lead. Minnesota couldn’t recover from that double-digit deficit as the momentum swung in Cleveland’s direction.
Cleveland had 15-point efforts from bench players Ty Jerome and Georges Niang.
Both teams play Monday. The Cavaliers host Phoenix, while the Timberwolves play at Memphis.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
The Cleveland Cavaliers came out on top in a high-scoring battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 124-117. The Cavaliers showcased their offensive firepower led by standout performances from Kevin Love, Collin Sexton, and Darius Garland. Love dominated the paint with his scoring and rebounding, while Sexton and Garland orchestrated the offense with their playmaking abilities.
Despite a strong effort from the Timberwolves, who were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, the Cavaliers were able to maintain their lead throughout the game. The Cavaliers’ strong team chemistry and execution down the stretch ultimately sealed the victory for them.
This win marks another solid performance for the Cavaliers as they continue to make strides this season. With their young core continuing to develop and gel together, the Cavaliers are showing signs of being a competitive team in the league. Fans can look forward to more exciting games from this talented squad in the future.
MINNEAPOLIS — Donovan Mitchell atoned for his no-show two nights ago.
The Cavs capped their road trip with a bounce-back win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, 124-117. Cleveland is a league-best 35-6 at the halfway point of the season. It has still only lost consecutive games once.
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In a redemption performance, Donovan Mitchell showcased his leadership and scoring prowess as he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 124-117 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a disappointing no-show in the previous game, Mitchell stepped up in a big way, finishing with a game-high 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Mitchell’s impressive performance not only helped the Cavs secure a crucial win but also proved his ability to bounce back from adversity. His scoring outburst, combined with his playmaking and defensive efforts, was instrumental in guiding Cleveland to victory.
The Cavs’ victory was a fitting end to their road trip, capping it off with a statement win over a tough Timberwolves team. With Mitchell leading the way, the team showed resilience and determination, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.
As Mitchell continues to establish himself as a leader and go-to scorer for the Cavaliers, his performance in this game serves as a reminder of his talent and impact on the team. With his ability to step up in crucial moments, Mitchell has proven himself to be a key player for Cleveland going forward.
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Rudy Gobert remembers spending time in the G League during his rookie season in 2013-14.
Well, back then it was called the D League.
“My ego was hurt, but it felt good to go out there and just play,” Gobert said. “… And also took that frustration and that hunger to be on the floor and to help the team, put that into working harder than anybody else.”
That’s been Gobert’s message to Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Rob Dillingham, who hasn’t spent any time in the G League aside from a two-game stint on a rehab assignment but also hasn’t seen many minutes for the Timberwolves to this point in his young NBA career. That’s not for lack of desire as Dillingham has been itching for more time on the court.
“We have a lot of conversations about that. I tell him it’s a good sign that he’s frustrated,” Gobert said. “If you don’t care, you’re not ambitious enough. So I love that, and the only thing I tell him is to keep doing the work. When you’re frustrated, put that frustration into working more, working harder, learning, taking care of yourself, getting stronger.”
Dillingham has played just 17 games this season, averaging 9.4 minutes per game. Some of that absence has been due to injury — he missed time with a right ankle sprain — but there have also been games where there simply hasn’t been room for him. It’s not because the Wolves have changed their tune on him since moving up to get him No. 8 overall in this year’s NBA draft, it’s because finding minutes for a rookie can be challenging on a team that already boasts a lot of guard depth.
“It’s important to kind of set it all in context. It’s hard for rookies to play meaningful minutes for teams that are trying to win at the top of the table. It just is,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said. “You have to wait, be patient, like (Dillingham) is gonna be an extremely good player in this league for a long time to come. We’re all confident of that, and he just has to keep staying ready, and obviously the ankle injury kind of derailed any little momentum we had, but he played extremely well.
“And just yeah, gotta have patience. I think it’s important to realize, these guys, sometimes it’s the first time in their life they’ve never played. It’s mentally really challenging for those guys. Have to see light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s a long season and all the cliches, but they all are true.”
The good news is Dillingham has found more opportunities for minutes since returning from injury (of course, the bad news is they’ve come because Donte DiVincenzo has been sidelined the last two games with a toe injury). Regardless of the circumstance, Dillingham is making the most of his opportunity. After all, nothing is guaranteed for the rookie.
On Saturday, Finch elected to play Dillingham with the starters down the stretch in the fourth quarter, hoping his speed could help spark a run facing a 20-point deficit. Despite struggling to shoot during his first stint in the first half, Dillingham came alive in the fourth quarter and helped the Wolves close the gap to as few as five points with 12 seconds remaining.
The game was a learning experience for Dillingham. For one, he was often switched defensively onto the likes of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, a crash course in trying to stick with the NBA’s best guards as an undersized player.
“I feel like before it was like alright, when I get a switch, I got to get off of him. Now it’s like, I just got to guard. So that’s how I look at it and I try to take on everyone, and even if I get a foul, you got to foul them (rather) than let them score,” he said.
It also came against his friend in Garland, who, at 6-foot-1, 192 pounds, could perhaps provide a blueprint for the 6-foot-3, 175-pound Dillingham as a player who’s shown what it takes to thrive as an undersized guard in the league.
“He definitely has a lot of things I could take after. Learning to draw fouls, getting all his players involved, also scoring the ball, so definitely can learn a bunch from him,” Dillingham said of Garland.
Minutes won’t be guaranteed for Dillingham. There will likely be more games this season where he doesn’t see minutes once DiVincenzo returns. But he’s still just a 20-year-old rookie. The key will be patience, maintaining the drive to improve that he already possesses, and just like Gobert said, turning that frustration of sparing minutes into something positive.
If it hasn’t already, Dillingham’s time will come. The Timberwolves have no doubts about that.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are preaching patience with their rookie guard Rob Dillingham, and for good reason. The young player, known for his flashy playmaking and scoring ability, has shown flashes of potential in his first few games in the NBA.
Despite his impressive skill set, the Timberwolves are taking a cautious approach with Dillingham, understanding that the transition to the NBA can be challenging for even the most talented rookies. Head coach Chris Finch has emphasized the importance of allowing Dillingham to develop at his own pace and not putting too much pressure on him too soon.
Dillingham himself has expressed his gratitude for the team’s patient approach, acknowledging that he still has a lot to learn and improve upon in his game. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he is confident that he will continue to grow and make a positive impact on the team.
While fans may be eager to see Dillingham reach his full potential, the Timberwolves are focused on nurturing his talent and ensuring that he has a successful and sustainable career in the NBA. By preaching patience with their rookie guard, they are setting him up for long-term success and helping him realize his full potential.
Memphis enters the game after two days off and a 3-1 road trip. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have alternated wins and losses over their last six games.
On the injury front, Memphis got good news on Monday. Ja Morant, who was previously listed as questionable, has been upgraded to probable. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Zach Edey were not listed on the injury report.
Grizzlies forward GG Jackson is also expected to make his season debut.
Minnesota (22-20) will be without starting guard Donte DiVincenzo, meaning former Grizzlies guard Mike Conley Jr. is likely to draw the start alongside Anthony Edwards. DiVincenzo is out indefinitely due to a left big toe injury, according to ESPN.
The Grizzlies won the first meeting against the Wolves 127-125 on Jan. 11.
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Grizzlies vs Timberwolves live updates
Date: Monday, Jan. 20
Time: 1:30 p.m. CT
Location: FedExForum
What channel is Grizzlies vs Timberwolves game on today?
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
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The Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on MLK Day in a thrilling matchup that featured two of the brightest young stars in the NBA, Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards. The game was full of exciting moments and highlights, so let’s take a look at the live score and updates from this highly anticipated showdown.
Both teams came out strong in the first quarter, with Morant showcasing his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability, while Edwards displayed his scoring prowess and defensive tenacity. The Grizzlies held a slight lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Timberwolves quickly closed the gap in the second quarter with some hot shooting from beyond the arc.
As the game went back and forth, Morant and Edwards continued to shine, trading highlight-reel plays and putting on a show for the fans. The Grizzlies’ defense stepped up in the second half, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy buckets in transition. However, the Timberwolves refused to go down without a fight, as Edwards poured in points from all over the court.
In the end, it was a close and competitive game, but the Grizzlies were able to pull away in the final minutes and secure the victory. Morant finished with a double-double, while Edwards led all scorers with a career-high performance. It was a fitting tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as these two young stars showed the world what they are capable of on the court.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this exciting matchup between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves. #GrizzliesvsTimberwolves #JaMorant #AnthonyEdwards #MLKDayHighlights
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Grizzlies vs Timberwolves live score, Grizzlies vs Timberwolves updates, Ja Morant highlights, Anthony Edwards highlights, MLK Day game, NBA highlights, Grizzlies vs Timberwolves recap, Grizzlies vs Timberwolves results, NBA game score, Ja Morant vs Anthony Edwards stats.
