February 12th, 2025
7:00 PM CST
Target Center
FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Here we are, folks. The Timberwolves have reached one of those sneaky-important games that may not look like a big deal on paper but could have serious implications by season’s end. Tomorrow night, the Giannis-less Milwaukee Bucks roll into Target Center, and if you’re the Timberwolves, this is a game you simply can’t afford to let slip through your fingers.

We’re at the stage of the season where you’ve got to bank wins when you can. Minnesota’s had a rough couple of stretches but has shown some life lately—especially with Anthony Edwards doing his best superhero impression. Three straight 40-point games? That’s what legends are made of. But with a brutal schedule looming after the All-Star break, this game against Milwaukee isn’t just a must-win, it’s a can’t-lose.

Let’s break it down.

In recent years, the Bucks have owned this rivalry, thanks in no small part to Giannis Antetokounmpo. But without Giannis, this Milwaukee team suddenly looks… pedestrian. They’ve got shooters. They’ve got experience. They’ve still got Damien Lillard. But they don’t have a two-time MVP and human wrecking ball running the show, and that makes all the difference.

For Minnesota, the goal is simple: take care of business. This is a game where Anthony Edwards should absolutely dominate, Mike Conley’s calming presence at point guard should help avoid those dreaded droughts, and Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid need to own the glass like it’s a family heirloom.

If you’ve been following the Timberwolves this season, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Wolves have this strange superpower where they can go from offensive juggernaut to YMCA pickup team in about 30 seconds. Monday night in Cleveland, they went nearly 10 minutes without a field goal, which is the NBA equivalent of not checking your fantasy lineup for two weeks and wondering why you’re losing.

Against Milwaukee, this can’t happen. No more five-minute stretches of clanged jumpers and careless turnovers. If the offense starts to sputter, Chris Finch needs to call a quick timeout, get his rotations in order, and find ways to manufacture points. Whether it’s Edwards driving to the basket, Naz Reid cleaning up misses, or Conley running the pick-and-roll, they need to keep the scoreboard moving.

With Giannis out, Milwaukee’s going to rely heavily on their outside shooting. The Bucks will be jacking up threes like they’re auditioning for a Warriors game. If the Wolves give them wide-open looks, it’s going to get ugly fast. This is where Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jaylen Clark need to shine.

Close out hard. Contest every shot. Force the Bucks to beat you with tough, mid-range jumpers. If Minnesota can do that, they’ll put themselves in a great position to win.

This is a game where Gobert and Naz Reid need to control the boards like they’re boxing out for a contract extension. Milwaukee can’t rely on Giannis to clean up the messes, which means Minnesota’s bigs should have a huge advantage inside.

Limit second-chance points. Grab every rebound in sight. Deny Milwaukee extra possessions. If the Wolves can win the battle on the boards, they’ll choke out the Bucks’ offense and prevent them from gaining any momentum.

Can Ant-Man go for 40-plus again? Maybe. But honestly, he might not need to if Minnesota plays smart team basketball. Still, you want to see him stay aggressive. Attack the rim, draw fouls, get to the line, and keep that three-point stroke working.

The Wolves are going to win and lose as Edwards goes. When he’s in attack mode, this team looks like a legitimate playoff contender. When he’s passive, they revert to the inconsistent squad that drives fans crazy. We need more superhero cape and less “I’ll defer” Ant tomorrow night.

Here’s the bottom line: This is a very winnable game. The Wolves are at home, Milwaukee is missing their best player, and Mike Conley’s return should help steady the offense. With OKC and Houston coming up, Minnesota needs this one to keep pace in the Western Conference.

If they can’t win this game? Well, then things get a lot harder after the break, and those play-in tournament nightmares might start creeping back in.

For now, let’s assume the Wolves take care of business. After all, they’ve shown we can start trusting them after the past two weeks... Right?