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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview – November 12

The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Tuesday night, marking their first NBA Cup game of the season. The Timberwolves have had a solid start to the season with a 6-4 record, while the Blazers, at 3-8, are still finding their footing. This matchup is a chance for both teams to make an impact, with Minnesota aiming to rebound from a close loss and Portland looking to end its three-game losing streak.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves had a tough one-point loss to the Miami Heat in their last game, falling 95-94. It was a frustrating outing for Minnesota, as they committed 20 turnovers, which proved costly in a game that came down to the final seconds. Anthony Edwards, one of Minnesota’s key players, scored 22 points but couldn’t secure the win in the closing moments. Edwards has been an essential part of the Timberwolves’ offensive efforts, leading the team with his scoring and athleticism. His play on both ends of the court has been a bright spot, and he’ll be looking to make an impact against Portland.

This season, Minnesota has been adjusting to some big changes. The team traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, bringing in forward Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo, two players who add depth to the roster. Randle, known for his rebounding and inside scoring, pairs well with defensive standout Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt. Gobert, a defensive anchor, provides rim protection and rebounding. Both players have helped the Wolves stay competitive, especially on the boards, where they excel at limiting opponents’ second-chance points.

The Timberwolves are looking to get back on track after a three-game win streak was cut short. Despite the loss to Miami, Minnesota is focused on tightening their defense and reducing turnovers to secure a win. Point guard Mike Conley has been essential in running the offense, though he has struggled with his shooting early this season. Conley’s leadership is key, especially as the team integrates new players like Randle, and his ability to manage the game will be crucial against the Blazers.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have faced a challenging season so far, currently sitting at 3-8 and on a three-game losing streak. In their last game, they were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 134-89. The Blazers had a rough outing, shooting only 9.5 percent from beyond the arc and committing 23 turnovers, both of which hurt their chances significantly. Jerami Grant led the team with 20 points, but Portland struggled to find a rhythm on offense. Grant, one of Portland’s most consistent players, has been a strong presence for the Blazers with his ability to score both inside and outside the paint.

Portland’s struggles aren’t just on offense; they’ve also been challenged defensively. Coach Chauncey Billups called out the team’s lack of effort after the loss to Memphis, emphasizing the need for a stronger mindset. The return of guard Shaedon Sharpe from a shoulder injury adds some spark to their backcourt, but Sharpe has yet to fully regain his shooting touch. Additionally, Deni Avdija, another key player, has been inconsistent. He went scoreless in limited minutes against Memphis, underscoring the need for better production from the bench.

The Blazers will need to bring more intensity and focus, especially at home, where they hope to turn things around. Limiting turnovers and improving their shooting accuracy will be crucial if they want to keep pace with a Timberwolves team known for capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.

Game Prediction

Both teams enter this game with something to prove. Minnesota will aim to bounce back from their narrow loss and tighten up their play, while Portland hopes to find more consistency on both ends of the floor. With Gobert anchoring the defense and Edwards leading the charge offensively, the Timberwolves have a slight edge. However, if the Blazers can rally and execute better, they could make this a closer contest than expected.

Prediction: Timberwolves win 110-98

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