The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations. Coming off a season where they pushed for the top seed in the Western Conference and reached the conference finals, the team aimed to build on their success. However, the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns in a blockbuster offseason trade shook the roster, and the Timberwolves stumbled out of the gate, losing 10 of their first 18 games. Many began to wonder if their success last season was a fluke or if they were capable of becoming a perennial contender in the competitive Western Conference.
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Recently, the Timberwolves have shown signs of life, with their defense returning to elite form and Anthony Edwards stepping into his role as the face of the franchise. But the lingering question remains: Can the Timberwolves recapture their dominance and make a serious push in the playoffs?
A Look Back: Minnesota’s Success in 2023-24
Last season, the Timberwolves were defined by their defense. With Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint, the team boasted the league’s top defensive rating, allowing just 109 points per 100 possessions. Their ability to stifle opposing offenses carried them through an average offensive season. Minnesota struggled with 3-point volume but managed to shoot efficiently, ranking third in the league in 3-point percentage.
Offensively, the Timberwolves were a middle-of-the-pack team, relying heavily on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns for scoring. Their offensive rating of 115.6 ranked 16th in the NBA, but their defensive dominance compensated for their shortcomings on that end of the floor. This balance propelled them deep into the playoffs and earned them a reputation as a gritty, defense-first squad.
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A Shaky Start to the 2024-25 Season
The Timberwolves faced immediate challenges this season after trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. While both Randle and DiVincenzo brought valuable skills to the team, the transition was far from seamless. Minnesota struggled to integrate Randle’s iso-heavy offensive style, which clashed with Edwards’ need to dominate the ball.
The defense, once the team’s cornerstone, faltered early on. The Timberwolves allowed 111.3 points per game in their first 18 contests, a significant drop-off from their league-leading numbers last season. Coupled with an offense that ranked 21st in efficiency, the team found itself underperforming with an 8-10 record, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
A Turning Point: Anthony Edwards Sparks a Revival
The Timberwolves’ season took a dramatic turn following a loss to the Sacramento Kings, where they squandered a 12-point lead in the final minutes. After the game, Anthony Edwards publicly criticized the team, calling them “soft” and urging them to rediscover their identity. His fiery comments resonated with the team, igniting a defensive resurgence that saw them hold four consecutive opponents to under 92 points.
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Since that moment, the Timberwolves have won nine of their last 13 games, with Edwards leading the charge. His increased 3-point efficiency (41.1%) and scoring have provided the offensive spark the team needed. Meanwhile, the defense has returned to its elite form, allowing just 101.5 points per game during this stretch.
The Key Challenges Ahead
Despite their improved play, the Timberwolves still face challenges as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings. Julius Randle’s fit alongside Edwards remains a work in progress, as both players thrive in iso situations but have yet to develop strong chemistry. Randle’s preference for creating off the dribble contrasts with Towns’ ability to excel in catch-and-shoot and post-up scenarios, making the offensive adjustment more complicated.
Donte DiVincenzo, however, has emerged as a potential solution. Known for his shooting and playmaking, DiVincenzo has stepped up in recent games, averaging 16.8 points and 3.7 made 3-pointers per game on nearly 49% shooting from beyond the arc. His ability to facilitate the offense and provide spacing could unlock new dimensions for the Timberwolves, particularly as veteran guard Mike Conley manages a reduced role.
Betting on the Timberwolves: A Look at Futures
With the Timberwolves’ recent resurgence, they present intriguing opportunities for bettors looking to capitalize on their potential. ESPN BET currently has Minnesota’s win total set at 47.5, and they are listed at +1100 to win the Western Conference and +1800 to claim the NBA championship.
The best bet among these options is the over on 47.5 wins. To surpass this total, the Timberwolves would need to win 31 of their remaining 51 games, a 60.8% win rate. Given that they played at a 68.3% clip last season and have returned to a similar pace since Edwards’ impassioned call-out, this seems well within reach.
Betting on the Timberwolves to win the West at +1100 also offers value for risk-tolerant bettors. The team’s defensive ceiling and offensive potential could make them a dark horse in a conference that lacks a clear favorite. While they trail the Northwest Division-leading Oklahoma City Thunder by nine games, their focus will likely remain on improving their seeding for the playoffs.
What Lies Ahead for Minnesota?
The Timberwolves’ path forward hinges on their ability to sustain their defensive intensity while continuing to refine their offensive identity. Anthony Edwards has proven he can lead the team, but he will need help from Randle, DiVincenzo, and the rest of the roster to elevate Minnesota to contender status.
If the Timberwolves can integrate their pieces and maintain their current trajectory, they could surpass last season’s success and become a legitimate threat in the playoffs. As the Western Conference remains as unpredictable as ever, Minnesota’s potential to disrupt the hierarchy makes them one of the league’s most fascinating teams to watch in 2025.
