Another [Timberwolves](/) season is upon us as the clock winds down on the offseason. New faces and jerseys grace the Wolves this season as Minnesota fans hunker down for the winter and NBA basketball. It’s time for our annual staff tradition of exactly predicting how the Wolves season will go. We’ve never EVER been wrong so buckle up.
We got our staff together to provide some of their takes on how this season will go for Minnesota. Prepare to be amazed with our prophetic takes.
While the team has changed so much, I have a very high opinion of the Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball pairing and think it can take the offense to new heights. Health is obviously the caveat, but another year of experience for Ant with the addition of LaMelo has them in the low 50s for my prediction.
I got them at 50 wins because of the power of friendship and vibes!
As an eternal optimist my mortal flaw is predicting things, but I’m not going to let that stop me from going big. 55, count ‘em, 5-5 wins for this new look Wolves squad, and I’ll bust out the jazz hands.
50 wins seems just right. Most opponents will struggle handling this offensive juggernaut.
I’ll join the team of optimistic Patricks and put this as the easiest over this NBA season. I mean, at this point it’s basically a free square, right?
**No, but it’ll be close** **\- Thilo Latrell Widder**
There are a lot – a lot – of good teams in this league. Both the West and East have become more polarized toward the extremes. Teams are pretty much either terrible, good, or really good. These average innings eater wins team no longer exist.
I think the Wolves will have games where they look incredible, just as much as they’ll have games where they look like they’ve never met before. The Hornets last year went 44-38 with one of the most effective offenses ever in the back half of the season. That happened with a team that had, by and large, shared upwards of three years together.
They can get there, but I’m thinking 43-47 wins is the more likely option.
The reason that the past few Wolves teams didn’t get to 50 wins is in my opinion because it’s a lot easier to play offense than defense, and a really talented league got the best of the Wolves defense a few time per season when the Wolves offense didn’t have the firepower to keep up. They do now, so I’d send the over ticket to Vegas.
Their Big Three (used loosely to describe their three best players) is talented enough to carry them to some pretty ridiculous regular season performances, regardless of how long it takes for them to completely mesh chemistry-wise.
It’ll be a tough ask since they’re missing some important pieces from last year due to roster turnover and injury, and I don’t trust the rest of the team on offense enough if Ant or Melo miss substantial time. High 40’s is my guess, though I wouldn’t be surprised to be wrong.
I don’t gamble, but the consensus the last few years has been to smash the over on the Timberwolves’ Vegas odds - this year is not different. They’ll go over this total, but not by much. I think the preseason showed us that it may take a while to work out the kinks with the new personnel.
I’m praying for a healthy year for the Wolves. If this happens the Wolves will be have a solid defense and an un-guardable offense. I expect DDV to be back before the All-Star break (maybe even Christmas game) and contribute right away. I’m probably higher than most at 54 wins.
As long as health stays on their side, there’s no reason this team shouldn’t eclipse the 50 win mark. Expect highlights every night and that feeling you had watching the Wolves during the 2023-24 Western Conference Finals run. I think we’ll see San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota all finish the season within three games of each other for the top three seeds.
**Fun-loving, three-point launching - BH**
Everyone has glowed about LaMelo’s positivity and the vibes are sky-high right now, which should lead to some fun celebrations. On a more serious note, they have the capability to be a high-volume and high percentage three point shooting team that should juice the offense.
As someone who’s initial reaction to the LaMelo trade was akin to what you’d think a typical millennial would be, I quickly pivoted to a different stance: “You know what, at least the Wolves will be fun to watch, regardless if they win or not!” And I stand by that, even though I’ve come to believe the basketball side of it more.
**Teamwork makes the dream work - PD**
With LaMelo running the show, I expect to see a more unselfish team than in years past, sharing the wealth and feeding the hot hand when it’s cooking. The ignition turned on from the jump, this team has all the elements of a top-5 offense (and they’re not 5!).
I expect the camera operators to apply for Workman’s Comp on account of whiplash as they try to track more and more audacious passes from all over the court. Some of them will lead to buckets, some will land in the audience, all will be entertaining.
My less optimistic guess for the identity of this team is that it will be a bit of push and pull between giddiness and moodiness. The highs will be high but the lows will come during the long season and that’s when the true test of basketball joy will happen.
I think I’ll echo Benny and Leo on this one. I am unfortunately still not a believer in Jonathan Kuminga, even if his current contract reflects his value better than his former 20 million dollar price tag. I’d be happily to be proven wrong, but this team is still one or two pieces away.
As fun as it’ll be, it won’t be good enough for contention. But that won’t stop me from enjoying it.
People call the Wolves “Gen Z’s favorite team” because they have Ant and LaMelo, but this team will also play the way most Gen Zers (like myself) like to play. It’s going to be like your windshield wipers in a snowstorm, so fast you can barely see them.
They’re going to chuck a lot of three-pointers. That’s a given. But they’re also going to get out in transition. Pushing the pace and getting up those high-value shots is going to be integral to the team’s chances of winning this year.
For better or for worse, this team will play fast and loose. I’ll echo Matthew and say that a lot of possessions will end up being janky or too hot to handle, but if you’re watching and they happen to put it together it’ll make you want to go all-in on them.
While this is a phrase that I typically reserve for my criteria to purchase a vehicle, I think us as fans are going to get our money’s worth out of the team this year. The vibes are high. Everyone seems so…happy. We’re going to smash our season quota of Jaden McDaniels smiles by the 20th game. Whether or not that translates to consistent wins remains to be seen, but at least we’ll have a bunch of highlight reels along the way.
Everyone is going to shoot on this squad. The Wolves may have up to five guys shooting 40% or better on threes once Donte returns. And those that don’t shoot 40% will still have wide open looks due to better ball movement. Everyone will let it fly.
**Whatever you want to call the opposite of last season - DS**
With the departure of Julius Randle and the addition of LaMelo Ball, this team won’t hesitate to make the extra pass and run in the fastbreak. Sure, Julius was a skilled passer at times, but it in most cases, it was due to bailing out of a layup at the last second or after getting doubled in the post. With Ball, passing feels seamless and feels productive.
**Defensive rebounding - BH**
With the move to a smaller, sleeker roster the ability to end possessions on the boards is a concern. Rudy Gobert should vacuum a ton of them, but when he’s off the floor it gets dicey.
Oh, it’s a Tuesday night game against the Sacramento Kings? LaMelo and Ant begin a personal three-point contest between one another as they trail in the fourth quarter.
Remember when Chris Finch said this new team had “giddiness”? Well, there isn’t much that makes me more giddy than a good night’s sleep. Between Ant, LaMelo, and Kuminga, expect to see some ill-timed napping on defense.
**High Fouls and Low Turnovers - MH**
Connected to the concerns about ending possessions with rebounding, I see the Wolves committing fouls at a high rate given their opponents extra shot attempts. Fouls are not inherrently a negative, but only if those fouls match a higher rate of turning the opponent over.
The preseason game against the very physical Detroit Pistons was a bit of a warning shot across the bow of the Timberwolves ship. Despite a hot shooting start, they slowly wore down and allowed frustration to take away some good vibes. Mentally marking that and Detroit’s intentionality to make every dribble miserable for LaMelo Ball.
Keeping with my theme of speed, there will definitely be poor quality shots taken early in the shot clock. There’s a time and place for every thing, but there’s no place for chucking. I HATE poor shot selection, so I’m bracing for LaMelo but happy that I don’t have to watch that \*bum\* Julius Randle anymore.
What does the high-leverage offense look like? Can Ant take yet another leap and snatch that place as the best clutch scorer in the league? When the pace slows down, when the shots aren’t falling, how will the team drag themselves out of the mud?
As highly as I rate Ant’s ability to be a reliable source of creation, I agree with Kaden in that there are serious questions about his teammates when the game slows down. Melo’s half-court process thus far in his career has not been awe-inspiring, and Kuminga’s pretty rough more often than not.
**Caving under momentum swings - TA**
A better way of saying this would perhaps be “response to adversity,” though this is an issue that’s plagued the Timberwolves for many years. When things start to go south and the opposing team goes on a run, the players need to make sure they don’t go rogue and play hero ball. There are plenty of players on the roster capable of breaking the game script in this way, and Finch may occasionally have a tough time keeping this group of players focused.
To me, the bench is still a bit suspect. Ayo may have a chance at Sixth Man of the Year, but that may be because he will be the only reliable bench player. I have high hopes for Joan and have liked what I have seen so far, but he is still very untested. A backup big is still needed. Also, I am still trying to figure out what type of player TJ will be.
No doubt about it, injuries can very much derail this Wolves season. Anthony Edwards says he’s recovered from his knee injury last year, but what if it gets hurt again late in the season? What if Ball’s injury history cannot be slowed down? Who steps up on defense if Jaden gets hurt? It feels like this team could be one or two injuries from losing a significant amount of games. I’ll be honest, watching the minutes without LaMelo on the floor this preseason was pretty painful at times. Thank goodness for the “2025-26 NBATA Joe O’ Toole-David Craig Athletic Training Staff of the Year.”
**Jaden McDaniels, All-Star** **\- BH**
LaMelo Ball’s addition should make things easier for Jaden McDaniels on offense. He shot extremely well from three last season and should continue to get open looks, ready for another leap.
**Jonathan Kuminga plays really _really_** **well - LS**
Kuminga plays so well that we have to have some really uncomfortable conversations. I’m looking at you, Rudy, Jaden, and Ayo.
**Joan Beringer puts up a 20-10-5 game - PD**
A lukewarm take is that Rudy will not play all 82 games this season. There will be a game where Beringer logs major minutes out of necessity…and it will be glorious.
**Wolves beat one of San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the playoffs** **\- MH**
I don’t think they can beat both in a run to another Western Conference Finals, but as constructed, this team has more wrinkles to throw at the consensus top of the Conference. I bet the Wolves send OKC home early to set up a rematch with Wemby.
**Ayo Dosunmo will win Sixth Man of the Year** **\- PF**
I’d also pair this prediction with the guess that Ayo closes more games than not. Between the minutes load, national TV games, and his name being relatively “new” to the discussion, his Sixth Man candidacy is a great bandwagon to hop on early.
**Naz Reid is a let down in Charlotte - TLW**
I love Naz. You love Naz. We all love Naz. Let’s get that out of the way.
Still, I feel like everyone has moved past how deeply inconsistent Reid is on a game-to-game basis. Now, he’s being looked to as the third option on a Hornets team that has a bunch of shooters, and a bunch of role players, but no one steering the ship.
I wish Naz went to a team (or stayed with this team to find one) that can set him up to play at his best. Instead, he will be looked at to solve problems he’s not really equipped for.
**MIN tops OKC in the playoffs - WW**
I’ll join Matthew here. I don’t know what round it will be in, but at some point this spring the Wolves will beat the Thunder in a playoff series. I am totally bearish on OKC this season.
**Ant pushes Best in the World (BITW) convos - KC**
If Ant can keep up or even add upon the level of shot-making he showcased last season, along with the return to a focus on defense that he mentioned in the preseason, Wolves fans will be hard-pressed not to start propping their guy up. Playing next to LaMelo will likely help Ant put up some truly ridiculous scoring numbers.
**Donte DiVincenzo’s return will inject new life - LL**
Donte-Ant lineups quietly produced elite offense last season, pushing a +6 relative offensive rating, the best of any two-man Wolves combo to receive more than 100 minutes. Should the Big Ragu return from injury on schedule and work back to his old self, I daresay the Wolves will look like a whole new team post-All-Star break/heading into the playoffs.
**Rudy Gobert makes a three-pointer** **\- TA**
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned this yet. It is, as I previously mentioned, easy money. He’s gonna sink one. I’m buying into all of the clips. We’ll be up by 30 against some lowly opponent, Ball is going to hit Rudy on the pick-and-pop, and he’s going to let it fly. Law of averages dictates one of ‘em will go in.
**Three All Stars and COTY - JH**
If the Wolves are healthy and can put a few winning streaks together, the players will get recognized. Ant is an easy choice. But the other two spots will be for either Rudy, Melo, or Jaden. My money is on Melo (fan vote, thanks kids) and Jaden with a breakthrough year. Great record with a new cast of characters will lead Finchy to his first Coach of the Year award.
**Kuminga benched, Cody Williams starts - DS**
For Wolves fan’s sake, I hope this doesn’t happen and Leo’s prediction is right. After watching the preseason, I think we’re in for a rollercoaster ride in Kuminga. It should be fun at times, but there may be a point where Finch wants something or someone more consistent. Cody Williams stepped in for Kuminga in the starting lineup against New York and looked like a smooth fit next to Ant and Melo. An impressive preseason and I am officially on #CodyWatch.
Much like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Canis Hoopus has acquired some new talent and shaken up our roster. Let’s introduce you all to the folks who will be providing content for your favorite team the only way we know how: comparing current or former Timberwolves players that mirror the type of content we’ll bringing to you all this season.
With our influx of new talent, there is still room for a grizzled veteran presence in the ranks. Now I may not be grizzled, but can claim a veterans role having written for Canis for a few years now. I strive for my content to be positive, fun but also thinking in depth about the game of basketball - what better way to represent that than picking Jinglin’ Joe.
I’m snagging this one before anyone else does. My goal is to change your face, be happy, and enjoy! I might be a quiet leader, but I’m the set up guy for the rest of the team. Because at the end of the day, I’m not like anyone else, I’m Leo Sun.
I chose a player still on the team that I hope stays here for his entire career. Jaden has another level to his game that we hope to see him reach this season, and hopefully I do too! And like Jaden, I hope I stay here for as long as I can, as this community is truly something special and already has meant so much to me (I write completely stone-faced).
I’m here to fill in where needed. A bit of a jack of all trades with absolutely none of them mastered, I have a broad curiosity that will sometimes show up in the stat sheet, passes the eye test on most nights, and will do whatever possible to make the whole team better. (I’ll try and dig it up, but I have an old text about wanting the Wolves to trade for Ayo back in 2024)
I can really only go left, will probably not have a long and illustrious career, but I’ll occasionally pull out a spin move and finish that will make everyone think “Wow, maybe there is something there.”
**Nikola Pekovic - TLW**
I set hard screens, dominate out of the low block, and run the mob in Monaco. Look it up.
Coming from the amateur ranks, I am ready to bring my skills to the big time. It may take me some time, but I will find a way to showcase my skills and help the team.
I want to fill in a Swiss Army Knife role that is wildly appreciated by die-hards and shows up in the wins column.
I might not play much, but when I do, I’ll do it with my own signature style and (hopefully) leave an impression.
I gotta go with my guy Beas, man. Highly touted and successful collegiate prospect that flamed out too early in the NBA (insert appropriate metaphor here) only to make a heroic comeback in the Big 3 (Canis Hoopus). I may be a bit older now, but I can still get buckets (write articles).
I would have taken Rubio, but Leo beat me to it. So instead I will go with a more accurate comp in Fred Hoiberg. Decent outside shot, great leader, and a weird heart issue. Like “The Mayor”, after my playing days were over, I made the switch to coaching. Recently retired from the coaching gig after 20+ seasons. Miss the kids, not the stress. Hoiberg also had a stint in the Wolves front office. This fits me too well with my role as the “What If” Wolves Overlord.
I’m certainly hoping that I’m here for more than a single season, but besides the one-year stint, expect me to be all over the place. I like to bring controlled chaos to the function. I bring emotion, but use it in a way to bring everyone together. If you win, I win. If I win, you win. We are in this together for better or worse! I’m also a journeyman just like Pat Bev. From small-town Avon, Minnesota, to Arizona, Wisconsin, and now North Dakota.
Let’s hear your predictions for the season. Are you believing in the over for total wins? Who is your Wolves player avatar as a commenter???
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