Wolves vs. Jazz 4/1/18
Happy Easter everyone.
The Timberwolves play the Jazz tonight, and it could be the biggest game since the KG era. This game is so big that I am actually creating a blog to write about it. There are so many things happening in WolvesWorld, so let's take a look at a few of the highlights heading into tonight.
1. The Wolves are currently in 5th place in the Western Conference. A win tonight could propel them into the 4th spot if the Spurs also lost. However, a loss tonight could drop them all the way down to 8th place.
2. Ricky Rubio returns to Minnesota for the second time of the season. The first time we saw Ricky at the Target Center was the home opener, where the Wolves won thanks to Jamal Crawford balling down the stretch. I can't lie, I'm a big fan of Rubio's new look this year, but there is some obvious beef between him and the Wolves. Jeff Teague's hip-check last matchup in Utah brought Jimmy out of Twitter retirement to back his teammates. Ricky is questionable to play tonight, but I can't see him not suiting up with playoffs on the line and a chance to beat the Wolves.
3. Speaking of new looks, I am overjoyed to announce that the return of "fro" Wiggins is here. This look has been long overdue, as the cornrows made him look like a knock-off version of Kawhi Leonard. It also comes at a much needed time for the NBA hair squad after they lost a good one in the UniBrow. Regardless, I think this change in hair style could spark some energy into Wiggy... Or maybe not. Does anything really get him excited besides his dog Cassie and Michael Bolton??
4. Possibly the most excitement for Timberwolves fans is the potential return of Jimmy Butler. That's right, Jimmy Buckets is closing in on his return to playing with the team. Ever since he went down hurt, Wolves games have felt deflated and their play has not been what it was with Jimmy in the lineup. Although it is unlikely he will return tonight, he may be back for the next game in Denver. He is obviously the leader of the team and his return could mean a chance at winning a playoff series.
5. Finally, the Target Center is hoping for their 15th sellout of the season tonight, and it is likely they will get it. Fans are fired up, and they have good reason. There's no big ticket in the All Eyes North era, but the playoff drought could soon be over, and fans want a piece of it. The crowd was engaged the first time Utah came to town, and they should be again tonight.
Bottom line, if the Wolves want to make the playoffs and potentially win a playoff series, they need this win tonight. The game is going to be very tough without Butler, and the entire team will need to bring the energy. Anything less and the Wolves will likely be in the 8th spot by tomorrow.
There's a lot to be excited about! Or maybe it's just me... To the 12 people that read this, I thank you and hope you are as ready for Timberwolves playoff basketball as I am.
-Brett Buckingham
