The Minnesota Timberwolves are entering the 2024-25 season with significant expectations after finishing with a 56-26 record and reaching the Western Conference Finals for only the second time in franchise history.
With their win total set at 52.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook, the over is currently priced at -105, while the under sits at -115. As Minnesota looks to build on its defensive foundation and Anthony Edwards’ rise to superstardom, the question is whether the team can clear the 52.5-win mark and remain a top contender in the West.
Last season, the Timberwolves were a defensive juggernaut, led by Rudy Gobert, who earned 2023-24 Defensive Player of the Year honors. Paired with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota’s frontcourt was one of the most formidable in the league.
Naz Reid, who won Sixth Man of the Year and is a strong candidate to do it again, also played a significant role off the bench, and Finch has hinted that we could see more of Reid alongside Towns and Gobert this season. “Can we go bigger? Can we give Naz some extended minutes at the three?” Finch said in an interview with MinnPost, teasing the possibility of playing all three bigs together for stretches.
However, Minnesota’s offseason saw several changes that could impact the team’s depth. Key departures include Kyle Anderson (to the Warriors), Jordan McLaughlin (to the Kings), and Monte Morris (to the Suns), all of whom contributed meaningful minutes off the bench last season. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly made some moves to offset these losses. Minnesota added veteran Joe Ingles via free agency and drafted guards Rob Dillingham (No. 8 overall) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (No. 27) to bolster the backcourt.
Regardless, until young players can prove they’re ready to make an instant impact as a rookie, losing Anderson and Morris raises concerns about Minnesota’s depth in a highly competitive landscape. However, the team can win three fewer games than last season and still hit the over.
Edwards’ Rise and Conley’s Mentorship
Edwards’ breakout season was a major factor in the Timberwolves’ success last year. Averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, Edwards showcased his ability to dominate on both ends of the court. He earned a second consecutive All-Star selection, further solidifying his place as the team’s go-to star, particularly in clutch moments. Listed at +1200 for MVP on DraftKings Sportsbook, Edwards is poised to take another leap as he enters his prime, with expectations mounting that he will continue to elevate his game and the Timberwolves’ fortunes.
Mike Conley has been mentoring Edwards, pushing him to refine his approach to the game and make the small lifestyle adjustments that can elevate his performance. “I tell him every day, man, ‘I need you to be the best version of yourself,'” Conley shared during an interview on KFAN-FM.
Conley emphasized the importance of details like getting enough rest and focusing on diet, habits that could push Edwards to a new level. “Can you imagine how much better you could be—1%, 2%, 5%—if every part of your day was geared toward ‘how can I be better at basketball?'”
Conley’s influence goes beyond just mentoring Edwards. As a steady veteran presence, he’s helped stabilize the team’s offense and create cohesion between the stars. While Rob Dillingham, drafted at No. 8, is seen as Conley’s heir apparent, the Timberwolves will still rely heavily on the veteran point guard this season.
Does Towns Have Another Gear to Reach?
While defensive execution is clearly the team’s strength, there are still questions about their offensive consistency. Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the league’s best shooting big men, had a productive regular season, averaging 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 62 games, which earned him a selection to his fourth All-Star game.
However, in the playoffs, particularly in the 2024 Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks, Towns’ performance dipped. He averaged 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over five games but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 37.9% from the floor and 24.2% from beyond the arc. His inconsistent offensive impact in key moments drew criticism, and his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations will be crucial for the Timberwolves’ success moving forward.
Despite those struggles, Towns remains one of the most critical pieces of the Timberwolves’ puzzle. However, his max contract kicks in this year, and with Minnesota approaching luxury tax territory, there have been rumors about his future. While it seems unlikely Towns will be moved anytime soon, his contract could impact the team’s long-term flexibility if the front office decides to avoid tax issues.
Connelly’s ability to navigate the offseason despite limited financial flexibility was evident when he moved up to the No. 8 pick in the draft to snag Dillingham. That maneuver only cost the Timberwolves a 2031 first-round pick and a future pick swap, preserving their current core while planning for the future.
The Timberwolves’ depth will be a concern, especially with the loss of Anderson and Morris, who provided crucial minutes off the bench last season. With rookies Dillingham and Shannon needing time to develop, Minnesota’s success will likely hinge on their defense and star power. Edwards will continue to push the team forward, but will they have enough scoring to consistently compete against the West’s top teams?
Betting on the Timberwolves’ Win Total
The Timberwolves have established the defensive foundation and star power to clear their 52.5-win total on DraftKings Sportsbook, but questions about depth and offensive consistency remain.
With Edwards entering his prime, Gobert anchoring the defense, and key veterans like Conley and Ingles on board, Minnesota has the tools to be a top contender in the Western Conference. However, championship contention may hinge on whether Towns can elevate his game in high-stakes playoff moments and if the rookies can contribute sooner rather than later.
As Finch conveyed, the belief in championship potential is there, saying, “We have the potential to do something special, but it’s about putting all the pieces together.” Minnesota’s defense can carry them, but if the offense can rise to the challenge, they may not only exceed their win total but also make a deep postseason run.
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