5 NBA things to watch for on Christmas Day

2. Wolves vs. Thunder

For many, the Timberwolves have been a disappointment. There’s still a ways to go, but it’s hard to see them making a push towards this playoffs in Tom Thibodeau’s first season. In the best case scenario, the rest of the season has to be about letting Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine develop in hopes making the leap next year.

Christmas Day, however, represents a one-day mulligan of sorts. For them, Christmas Day is the biggest stage of the year and while this isn’t the biggest game of the day, it’s a big day for NBA action with a chance to make an impression.

In some ways, the Thunder are the perfect team to do it against. They aren’t world beaters, but have a brand because they have Russell Westbrook playing so hard and seemingly posting a triple-double every night. The Thunder also feature players who can push the Wolves’ youngsters. Steven Adams is really, really good opposite Towns. Andrew Wiggins doesn’t direct cross match, but at times, he should defend Westbrook when Ricky Rubio is off the floor. Even LaVine figures to get pushed if Victor Oladipo can play and even if he has to be defend Westbrook at times, there are moments where he’ll be challenged.

If you’re the Wolves, that’s really what you’re after. You want to grow under Thibodeau and you want to improve on what hasn’t worked this year — which feels like everything even though it’s not. If you can showcase your full potential on the biggest stage, that’s all you can really ask for.

Also: Russell freaking Westbrook is playing in this game, so watch it.