Somebody had to start this thread...Playoffs?

[thedoper]

On Bill Simmons new podcast he teased the idea of the Wolves taking the 8 seed even before the Denver game. I wouldn't be surprised, my wins pediction reflects that. I doubt it is going to happen though.

[TXviking [enjin:6602528]]

Playoffs......this season kinda feels like the Twins coming out of spring training.

Bright future with skilled position/youth ready for the jump to the majors. Added with a few veterans in place to mentor the youth and get them ready for next year. Everyone could see the Twins were on the rise, but probably 1 -2 years away. Then the season played out and the Twins were in it till the end.

I cannot help but feel the similarities.

[Monster]

Playoffs......this season kinda feels like the Twins coming out of spring training.

Bright future with skilled position/youth ready for the jump to the majors. Added with a few veterans in place to mentor the youth and get them ready for next year. Everyone could see the Twins were on the rise, but probably 1 -2 years away. Then the season played out and the Twins were in it till the end.

I cannot help but feel the similarities.

That's an interesting comparison I can see it. To me the question keeping people from really feeling good about the Wolves is health. The Twins had plenty of problems with that over their bad years too. This year somehow they were able to overcome it.

To me with the Wolves the talent is there for a playoff run there are just a lot of questions of youth lack of experience health what roles will guys play etc. When it comes to the West I don't think there is a single team that is so devoid of legit NBA talent they have no shot of making the playoffs. Every bottom tier team has a mix of young guys and vets. I am not picking those teams to get into the playoffs but it also wouldn't totally shock me. All those teams need a bunch of things to good right for them as a team and a better team to have an injury or some other implosion to open up a spot.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

It's getting more and more difficult to ignore what's going on in Houston as they suffer their third consecutive 20 point loss. That's 2014-5 Wolves-like! They actually started out ok in this game, but Miami beat them 65-26 in the second half...65-25! Lawson had 4 points and Harden was 2-15. Bad juju in Houston, I think.

I'm not going to start a magic number thread, but if we beat Portland tomorrow, we will be 3 full games ahead of Houston and New Orleans...two teams that I suggest are our competition for a playoff spot. Could these be 3 teams going in opposite directions? Hey, if confirmed Wolves-hater Bill Simmons can tease the idea of us making the playoffs, why can't we?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

It's getting more and more difficult to ignore what's going on in Houston as they suffer their third consecutive 20 point loss. That's 2014-5 Wolves-like! They actually started out ok in this game, but Miami beat them 65-26 in the second half...65-25! Lawson had 4 points and Harden was 2-15. Bad juju in Houston, I think.

I'm not going to start a magic number thread, but if we beat Portland tomorrow, we will be 3 full games ahead of Houston and New Orleans...two teams that I suggest are our competition for a playoff spot. Could these be 3 teams going in opposite directions? Hey, if confirmed Wolves-hater Bill Simmons can tease the idea of us making the playoffs, why can't we?

They're three games into the season. They have new players to get acclimated to. This isn't going to be an all-year thing. Oh, and Harden isn't going to shoot 25% from the field all year. I think you're overreacting here, LST.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I always thought last year's Houston team was a bit sloppy and inconsistent and it wouldn't surprise me if they took a step back this season. I personally think Lawson has a drinking problem, and while these guys are still young and can burn the candle on both ends, it has to affect him to some degree. And Harden seems to enjoy the NBA lifestyle too. That combined with Dwight's balky health and McHale's "player's coach" style seems like a potentially toxic mix.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

It's getting more and more difficult to ignore what's going on in Houston as they suffer their third consecutive 20 point loss. That's 2014-5 Wolves-like! They actually started out ok in this game, but Miami beat them 65-26 in the second half...65-25! Lawson had 4 points and Harden was 2-15. Bad juju in Houston, I think.

I'm not going to start a magic number thread, but if we beat Portland tomorrow, we will be 3 full games ahead of Houston and New Orleans...two teams that I suggest are our competition for a playoff spot. Could these be 3 teams going in opposite directions? Hey, if confirmed Wolves-hater Bill Simmons can tease the idea of us making the playoffs, why can't we?

They're three games into the season. They have new players to get acclimated to. This isn't going to be an all-year thing. Oh, and Harden isn't going to shoot 25% from the field all year. I think you're overreacting here, LST.

Yeah, I think they have too much talent to not turn things around, and I think the Lawson adjustment has been more difficult than I would have thought. But three 20-point losses to start the season would get anyone's attention...and it doesn't get any easier with OkC visiting tomorrow night. Sounds like 0-4 with three losses at home.

Imagine how this board would be if the Wolves lost their first three games by 20?

[Monster]

Ok three 20 point loses to start the season is something to take notice of. Looking at the box score...where have all the Rockets bigs gone too? They started 2 backups (Thornton went off) and Ariza played PF. Harrell has been productive so maybe they get their starters back and get back on track.

[60WinTim]

Ok three 20 point loses to start the season is something to take notice of. Looking at the box score...where have all the Rockets bigs gone too? They started 2 backups (Thornton went off) and Ariza played PF. Harrell has been productive so maybe they get their starters back and get back on track.

Their announcers indicated that Howard taking "rest" days off will happen this season. I don't know what his problem is. Chuck Hayes was signed yesterday, and played today! Motiejunas is out for the foreseeable future. Ty Lawson is not making much of an impact, and Harden is having a tough time buying a 3-pointer...

[60WinTim]

Hmm.. As the Harden slump continues, will he be tempted to remove the beard to change things up? :)