FNG wrote:Irving/Doncic went 55/16/12 in their debut, but still lost to the Kings. For those of us (like me) who were holding on to some hope of a top 4 finish after a KAT return (and return to form), I don't see either of these two teams fading sown the stretch. Further the Suns are playing well, and now get to replace Okogie in the starting lineup with Durant...a move that many would label and upgrade. News flash...the West is tough.
After Dallas acquired Kyrie I knew the Wolves had no chance of passing the Mavs in the standings, but I still held out hope the Kings would fade. I finally have to accept that I've been grossly underrating the Kings.The Wolves have no chance of passing them in the standings either. I can't imagine the Wolves passing the Suns unless Durant is sidelined most of the rest of the season. The Clippers will likely finish strong with a healthy Kawhi and Paul George.
So the Wolves will have to battle for a finish in the 7-10 range and a play-in opportunity. The Wolves will be one of seven teams battling those four play-in positions. The other six are:
1. Pelicans
2. Warriors
3. Jazz
4. Blazers
5. Thunder
6. Lakers
The Wolves are in 8th, just behind the Pelicans now. We're a half-game ahead of the Warriors, one game ahead of the Thunder, 1.5 games ahead of the Jazz and Blazers, and 2.5 games ahead of the Lakers. The Wolves's schedule puts the Wolves at a relative disadvantage. Ultimately, the where the Wolves finish in this battle of seven will ultimately turn to a large degree on the health of various players who currently have injury issues:
Wolves: Towns. When will he come back? How long for him to ramp up? Will he stay healthy?
Pelicans: Zion. When will he come back, etc.?
Warriors: Steph Curry. When will Curry come back, etc.?
Lakers: LeBron and AD. How healthy will LeBron and AD be down the stretch?
LeBron's injury seems minor and AD seems healthy now. So I think they'll surge and pass the Wolves. I think the Blazers, Jazz and Thunder will all subtly tank for the lottery. I don't see the Wolves passing the Pelicans. So I see this turning into a three way battle between the Wolves, Warriors and Lakers for the 8, 9 and 10 spots. However, if OKC, the Jazz or Blazers compete rather than tank, the Wolves could miss the play-in. Either way, I think the Wolves end up in the lottery because I don't see them playing their way into the playoffs.