Game Preview #37 – Timberwolves at Magic

The Wolves roll into Orlando looking to build momentum and get back into the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Can Anthony Edwards continue his hot scoring streak against a weakened Magic squad?

Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans
Date: January 9th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM CST
Location: Kia Center
Television Coverage: NBA TV/FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Can the Wolves Keep Rolling Against a Shorthanded Magic Squad?

The Timberwolves are officially riding the Anthony Edwards Express, and if the last three games are any indication, it’s an express train with no stops. Over the past week, Ant has gone full superhero, dropping a ridiculous 122 points across three games, capped off by a dominant 32-point showing in last night’s win over the Pelicans. For those keeping score at home, that is the most points scored by a Timberwolves player of a three-game stretch in franchise history. Oh, and he’s doing it while making it look like he’s playing a pickup game at the YMCA.

But as fun as the Ant-Man show has been, the Wolves are still teetering on the edge of playoff contention. They head into Orlando tomorrow night with a chance to bank another much-needed win against a Magic team that’s been hit hard by the injury bug. This game is a prime opportunity to build momentum and keep climbing the Western Conference standings. However, this is also the Wolves we’re talking about—masters of turning winnable games into head-scratching losses.

So, how do the Wolves avoid slipping on yet another banana peel? Let’s dive into the keys to the game.

Key #1: Dominate the Glass

Last night’s win over the Pelicans was solid, but it wasn’t without its warts. The Wolves got bullied on the boards, giving New Orleans way too many second-chance opportunities. The Magic may be shorthanded, but they still have size, with Wendell Carter Jr. holding it down in the paint and Paolo Banchero potentially making his return. If the Wolves don’t crash the boards with purpose, they’ll be giving Orlando free possessions—and trust me, nothing good happens when you give an underdog extra chances.

Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle need to bring their A-game down low. No half-hearted box-outs or casual rebounding efforts. Clean the glass, and you’ll clean up the Magic.

Key #2: Value Every Possession

Turnovers have been a season-long Achilles’ heel for Minnesota. Sloppy passes, forced drives, and careless decisions have plagued the Wolves, and it’s often their own mistakes—not the opponent—that have buried them.

Ant and Julius Randle, as the team’s primary offensive weapons, need to take better care of the ball. Randle has a tendency to force the issue, and while Ant’s confidence is what makes him great, it sometimes leads to head-scratching turnovers. Chris Finch should emphasize smarter ball movement and calculated aggression to keep the offense flowing and the mistakes to a minimum.

Key #3: Let Ant Be Ant

Speaking of Edwards, this guy is on one right now. Over the last three games, he’s not just scoring—he’s imposing his will. Whether it’s pulling up from three, slashing to the rim, or pulling out his underrated mid-range game, Edwards has been unstoppable.

It’s clear the Wolves go as Ant goes, and the team needs to keep feeding him. But it’s not just about volume—it’s about aggression. When Ant is attacking the rim, it opens up the offense for everyone else. His recent shift toward more three-point attempts has been effective, but the Wolves need him to keep that balance of shooting and driving. A steady diet of Ant attacking, coupled with his ability to stretch the floor, keeps defenses on their heels.

Key #4: Avoid the Offensive Droughts

Here’s the thing about this team: they can look unstoppable for stretches…and then go ice-cold for what feels like hours. It’s a maddening trend, and it could have cost them against New Orleans last night.

Chris Finch deserves credit for tweaking the rotations, including starting Donte DiVincenzo over Mike Conley. These adjustments have helped improve spacing and ball movement, but the Wolves still need to avoid those prolonged scoring funks. Moving the ball, creating open looks, and keeping the offense flowing will be crucial tonight, especially against a depleted Magic roster.

Key #5: Don’t Overlook the Magic

The Wolves have a bad habit of playing down to their competition. Losses to teams like Portland, Toronto, and Detroit are painful reminders of what happens when they take their foot off the gas. Orlando may be missing key pieces like Franz Wagner and potentially Paolo Banchero, but that doesn’t mean they’re a pushover.

The Wolves need to approach this game with the same intensity they’d bring against a top-tier opponent. No coasting, no looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup with Memphis. Take care of business tonight, and then you can start thinking about the Grizzlies.

What’s at Stake?

This is a crucial stretch for the Wolves. The Western Conference standings are tighter than a pair of jeans after the holidays, and every win matters. The Wolves are currently sitting in the 8th spot, but they’re just a few games out of the 4th seed—and, shockingly, only five games behind the 2nd seed.

With matchups against the Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Nuggets looming, the Wolves need to bank as many wins as possible during this softer part of their schedule. Beating Orlando tonight is a must, not just for the standings but for the confidence and momentum this team desperately needs.

Final Thoughts

The Wolves have been the NBA’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde this season. When they’re locked in, they can hang with anyone. When they’re not, they can lose to just about anyone.

Tomorrow night’s game is an opportunity to show which version of this team they want to be in 2025. It’s time to put the roller coaster to rest and start stacking some wins. Let’s see if Ant and the Wolves can keep the train rolling—or if we’re in for another Space Mountain-style dip in Orlando.