We predict a 9-game battle as the Timberwolves finish January

The Timberwolves have a big challenge on their hands and this should serve as an indicator of whether they’ve finally figured things out after being plagued by inconsistencies through the first two months of the season.

Lately, the Timberwolves have regained their footing with seven wins in the last ten games, including four of the last five, Anthony Edwards has turned into an MVP-level performer, Julius Randle is playing well and Donte DiVincenzo has been playing like a star , since replacing Mike Conley in the starting lineup.

But in the eyes of a critic, not all victories are created equal. Minnesota beat Dallas on Christmas Day, but Luka Doncic was injured in the first half and hasn’t played since. In a win over Houston two nights later, the Rockets blew a double-digit lead in the crucial minute.

The Wolves then beat the Spurs before suffering three straight losses to the juggernaut Thunder and Celtics, as well as the upstart Pistons. That wasn’t a good sign, and Minnesota’s last four wins have come against the Clippers, Pelicans, Magic and Wizards.

The Pelicans and Wizards are terrible and the Magic were extremely undermanned, so Minnesota still has to prove that they can be really good teams. They will get this opportunity if they play nine games by the end of January. Let’s predict the outcome of each game.

January 15 vs. Golden State (19-20) – Win

The Warriors are reeling after starting the season 6-17 after starting the season 12-3. Steph Curry is a Timberwolves killer, but I can’t imagine them coming into Target Center and beating the current version of the Timberwolves.

January 17 at New York (26-15) – Victory

The Knicks came to Minnesota on December 19th and cheered on the Wolves, but this time it will be different. The Wolves have found a new groove and Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo definitely won’t embarrass themselves again.

January 18 vs. Cleveland (34-5) – Loss

This is an unfortunate matchup that travels between games against two of the best teams in the NBA. A split is to be expected, although it wouldn’t be surprising if Minnesota lost both. Cleveland is a monster and has a winning streak of 15 and 12 games this season. And while the Wolves face off, Cleveland will have a full day in Minneapolis to get used to Saturday night’s game after playing in Oklahoma City on Thursday night.

January 20 at Memphis (25-15) – Loss

Having to play a really good team like the Mavericks in Memphis on MLK Day, with only one day of rest after a brutal encounter, is a difficult task. If Minnesota wins this game, that would be a real statement. I just don’t see it.

January 22 at Dallas (22-18) – Win

The Mavs are 3-7 since Doncic was injured on Dec. 25 against the Wolves. Minnesota will go to Dallas and get a decisive win against a weakened opponent.

January 25 vs. Denver (24-15) – Win

The Timberwolves love facing the Nuggets after knocking them out of the playoffs last season and defeating them 119-116 in Minneapolis in their only meeting this season. Nikola Jokic will get his triple-double, but the Timberwolves will get the win.

January 27 vs. Atlanta (20-19) – Win

The Hawks have not been good on the road, losing six of their last eight road games.

January 29 at Phoenix (19-20) – Loss

The Suns have not lost at home to the Wolves since March 18, 2021. Since then, they have beaten Minnesota six straight times in Phoenix.

Jan. 30 at Utah (10-28) – Win

The Jazz are not good and Minnesota should take care of them on the second night of a back-to-back road trip.

If the above predictions hold true, Minnesota would enter February with a record of 27-21. But it could easily go the other way because the schedule is really difficult and we still don’t know if the positive play of late is truth or fiction.