As the Minnesota Timberwolves(26-21) prepare to face the Utah Jazz(10-35), a lot of intrigue surrounds the game. The Timberwolves sit at the seventh spot in the Western Conference, while the Jazz find themselves at the bottom of the standings. This game marks a back-to-back clash for Minnesota, winning the last 4 of their games whereas Utah is on an 8-game-losing streak. As the ‘wolves aim to keep their momentum going, the status of star guard Anthony Edwards becomes crucial. Will he be available to play tonight against the Jazz?
The Timberwolves enter this game without any major concerns on their frontcourt, with Anthony Edwards leading the charge as a small guard. However, their backcourt will not see some players. Center Naz Reid is ruled out due to an illness, and Donte DiVincenzo will miss at least three more weeks. Guard Terrence Shannon Jr remains out after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 mid-foot sprain, too.
For the Jazz, there will be some concerns though, as their frontcourt has a few notable absences. The team’s starting center Walker Kessler is questionable with a shoulder injury, whereas power forward John Collins is ruled out due to an illness. On their backcourt, Cody Williams will be sidelined for a week until his ankle is reevaluated. Johnny Juzang is ruled out as well, however, the reason for his absence is yet unknown.
What does Anthony Edwards’ presence mean for Minnesota?
Anthony Edwards has been pivotal to Minnesota’s offensive success this season. He’s averaging a little more than 26 points, which is the 8th highest this season, along with 5.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. His all-around game was on full display in their recent 121-113 win over the Suns, where he put up 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, proving how crucial he is to the team’s offense.
Mar 18, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives against Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
However, Minnesota’s offense still ranks below the league average in points per game, scoring just 110.4 points per contest. But the team’s recent success is built on their strong defense, holding opponents to just 105.3 points per game during the last four of their games. This improvement has been led by Rudy Gobert, anchoring the paint and providing a strong presence. With an average of 10 rebounds per game, he ranks 13th in the league, helping the Timberwolves dominate on the defensive end.
In contrast, Utah has its star to lean on—Lauri Markkanen, averaging 19.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He’s joined by Collin Sexton, averaging 18.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. However, the Jazz’s struggles have been more profound this season, losing 10 out of their last 11 games. Defensively, they’re struggling and allow the third-most points in the league, at 118.5 per game. This puts even more pressure on their offense to keep up with a team like the Timberwolves.
With Walker Kessler’s potential absence, Utah’s defense could take a significant hit. Kessler has been a defensive force for the Jazz, averaging 11.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. John Collins, though not always a regular contributor, has shown he can step up when needed. In his last game against the Thunder, he posted a solid 22 points and 12 rebounds. Before that, he had another strong performance, contributing 24 points and 9 rebounds in a game against the Heat. His absence will put a void in the Jazz’s defensive and scoring.
Depth charts for both teams
Minnesota Timberwolves depth chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
Mike Conley
Rob Dillingham
Tristen Newton
Anthony Edwards
Donte DiVincenzo (Out)
SG
Anthony Edwards
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Joe Ingles
Terrence Shannon Jr. (Out)
Josh Minott
SF
Jaden McDaniels
Josh Minott
Joe Ingles
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Terrence Shannon Jr. (Out)
PF
Julius Randle
Naz Reid (Out)
Joe Ingles
Leonard Miller
Jaden McDaniels
C
Rudy Gobert
Naz Reid (Out)
Luka Garza
Julius Randle
Leonard Miller
Utah Jazz depth chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
Isaiah Collier
Keyonte George
Elijah Harkless
Collin Sexton
Patty Mills
SG
Collin Sexton
Jordan Clarkson
Johnny Juzang (Out)
Isaiah Collier
Elijah Harkless
SF
Lauri Markkanen
Johnny Juzang (Out)
Cody Williams (Out)
Brice Sensabaugh
Svi Mykhailiuk
PF
John Collins (Out)
Brice Sensabaugh
Lauri Markkanen
Kyle Filipowski
Micah Potter
C
Walker Kessler (Day-to-day)
Kyle Filipowski
Drew Eubanks
John Collins (Out)
Oscar Tshiebwe
The big question is can the Timberwolves keep their streak alive on the road, or will the Jazz use their home-court advantage? This game holds a lot of significance for both teams, and it’s going to be an interesting one.
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