The Wolves face an old nemesis in Jimmy Butler as the Heat roll into Target Center. Can the Wolves build on the three-game winning streak and beat the Heat?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat
Date: November 10th, 2024
Time: 6:00PM CST
Location: Target Center
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio
The Minnesota Timberwolves seem to have finally hit their stride, rolling to three straight wins. Sure, it’s been against the likes of the Hornets, Bulls, and Trail Blazers, but hey, momentum is momentum. Next up? A real test: the Miami Heat are coming to town. This isn’t just any opponent; we’re talking about a matchup that gets Timberwolves fans fired up every time Jimmy Butler returns to Target Center, even if he doesn’t always show up on the court. With a chance to extend their streak, the Wolves will need to bring the same fire they had last night against Portland.
Against the Blazers, we saw possibly the Wolves’ most complete performance of the season. They controlled the game from start to finish, cruising to a blowout that saw the lead sit at 20+ points for most of the game. Anthony Edwards was on another level, drilling nine threes and finishing with a smooth 37 points. And while he’s publicly set his sights on hitting 40, he didn’t get there last night—mostly because he spent the fourth quarter relaxing on the bench. Julius Randle put up another solid 20+ point game, adding to what’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most explosive scoring duos. If Edwards and Randle keep firing on all cylinders, the Wolves might finally have the firepower they were missing last season against Dallas.
But let’s not jump ahead to the Mavs just yet—first, we’ve got Miami. The Heat are limping into Minnesota, dropping three straight games to the Kings, Suns, and Nuggets. With three of the Heat’s best players listed as game-time decisions—Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kevin Love, and yes, Jimmy Butler—you know they’re coming in hungry. Butler, especially, should be looking to break this skid. He’s avoided Target Center’s notoriously hostile crowd a few times before, but I’d bet he laces up and takes the floor this time around. He’s exactly the kind of player who loves to play spoiler, and his old Minnesota crowd will only motivate him more.
For the Wolves, this matchup will come down to two things: fundamentals and defense. The Heat can score, especially if Butler and Tyler Herro are out there firing away. They’ve got the star power to go shot-for-shot with Edwards and Randle, but depth is where the Wolves should have the edge. Minnesota’s second unit—featuring NAW, Naz, and DDV—has been rock solid and is arguably the best bench in the league. That depth is going to be crucial, especially in a game where every possession could count.
But it’s not just about scoring. The Wolves have had a problem allowing easy baskets, a recurring issue that needs fixing if they’re going to be a serious contender. Last night’s game against Portland was a promising step in the right direction. Minnesota came out with intensity on defense, setting the tone early and making it clear they were in control. They’ll need more of that against Miami, especially considering how desperate the Heat are to end their losing streak.
If the Wolves can play with discipline, hustle on defense, and take care of business in transition, they should be in great shape to notch another win. And let’s be honest: this game could set them up nicely. With a victory, the Wolves would hit the 0.700 mark—a pretty impressive spot considering their early-season ups and downs. They’re coming together, showing flashes of a team that could be not just exciting, but legitimately special.
So, Timberwolves fans, buckle up. If Minnesota is serious about being a top team in the West, they have to handle business here. Beat Miami, keep building that consistency, and show that they’re ready to take on the big dogs. This stretch of games is a huge opportunity, but it’s time to back it up on the court.