This Stat Shows Why Timberwolves Won't Jump Nuggets in Playoff Standings

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Dallas Mavericks, and that might be a very costly loss. Dallas was within striking distance for the Timberwolves for the No. 5 seed in the West. However, now Minnesota now sits in the No. 7 seed and are at a serious disadvantage to get out of the play-in tournament. 

Minnesota has nine games left in the regular season and it has some of the hardest nine games anyone in the league has – literally. The Timberwolves have the eighth-toughest remaining schedule, and that’s the main reason why they are destined for the play-in tournament. 

As well as they’ve been playing, I’m not sold on the Timberwolves. Their last 10 wins have come against the Portland Trail Blazers twice, Oklahoma City Thunder twice, San Antonio Spurs and the Milwaukee Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s six of their last 10 wins that don’t fit into the “quality wins” category. 

I still have a lot of questions about whether Minnesota is truly turning the corner and becoming a legitimate playoff team. 

Meanwhile, Denver has the 18th easiest schedule and likely the MVP of the league in Nikola Jokic on its side. These two teams have one more matchup, which will give an enormous boost to whoever comes out on top. 

The Nuggets are in the middle of an average stretch right now, going 6-5 in the month of March. However, they’ve shown the ability to get going and I think a streak is on its way with the schedule easing up. 

Minnesota is 21-20 against teams with a winning record this year. The Wolves will have to raise that number significantly to get out of the play-in tournament, and I don’t have faith they will against the top teams. 

It’s been a good season Minnesota fans, but temper your expectations down the stretch.