**Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Detroit Pistons**
**Date:** March 30th, 2025
**Time:** 6:00 PM CDT
**Location:** Target Center
**Television Coverage:** FanDuel Sports Network North
**Radio Coverage:** KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio
**The Wolves Handle Business Against Phoenix… But Now Comes the Real Test: Detroit**
After three days off, the Wolves came out against Phoenix like they had something to prove. And boy, did they. From the jump, they swarmed Kevin Durant and Devin Booker like they owed them money. The ball was zipping around like it was connected to an electric fence, Julius Randle looked like the best version of himself, and the Wolves looked… whole again.
Let’s not gloss over the scare though: Anthony Edwards took a shot to the nose after colliding with Durant and had to leave the game in the first. For a few minutes, the entire city of Minneapolis forgot how to breathe. But like all great action heroes, Ant came back in the second half—bruised, slightly annoyed, and absolutely ready to make the Suns pay. The Wolves kept their foot on the gas and swept the season series against Phoenix, a team that started the year with title aspirations and now looks like they’d be lucky to win two games in the play-in.
That’s eight straight over the Suns, by the way. Might be time to update that rivalry status.
But now comes the real challenge—the _classic Wolves trap game_. Sunday night. Home floor. Detroit Pistons.
Let’s rewind for a second: back in January, when the Wolves were starting to find their identity and Detroit still felt like a D League team in NBA jerseys, Minnesota strolled into Little Caesars Arena like they’d already won the game. Ant dropped 53, and somehow the Wolves still lost. Not just lost—got _smacked_. The Pistons punched first, never stopped punching, and sent the Wolves home wondering what just happened.
Since then? Detroit’s been quietly turning into a real problem in the East. They’ve got size. They’ve got physicality. Nobody takes Detroit lightly anymore—and that’s the point. Minnesota _can’t_.
This is where the Wolves have to show they’ve learned something. One win over Phoenix doesn’t fix the three losses before it. But it can start the foundation of a strong finish. Minnesota has eight games left. They’re a half-game behind the Clippers and Warriors, both of whom are stumbling just enough to make a leap possible. The [Lakers](https://www.silverscreenandroll.com) and Grizzlies are in full-on freefall. The table is set. You just have to sit down and eat.
So what do the Wolves need to do?
**1\. Match the Pistons’ Physicality.**
Detroit is going to come in playing Big Ten football. They hit the glass, they fight in the paint, and they make you earn every bucket. Luckily, this version of the Wolves—when locked in—can bully back. Rudy Gobert has to own the rim on both ends. Julius needs to bring that same aggressive, downhill mindset he had against Phoenix. This game is going to be won in the trenches.
**2\. Let the Ball Fly… the** _**Right**_ **Way.**
Friday night was a clinic in how the Wolves should move the ball. That wasn’t hero ball. That was team basketball—swing passes, skip passes, drive-and-kicks. Julius was a willing passer, which tends to be a pretty good sign that the offense is cooking. When Ant’s in attack mode and looking for open teammates, not just heat checks from 30 feet, it’s contagious. Detroit will pressure the ball and collapse on drives. The Wolves need to punish that with quick decisions and open threes.
**3\. Don’t Get Cute.**
Look, I love this team. But they have a nasty habit of looking at a less talented team and deciding to spend the night in cruise control. If they try that Sunday, Detroit will run them out of their own building again. Take care of the ball. Box out. Make your free throws. Don’t let Julius try to go 1-on-3 in transition like it’s a pickup game at LA Fitness.
**4\. Keep the Ant Train Rolling.**
If he’s healthy (and his nose doesn’t resemble a Halloween prop), Ant needs to assert himself early. The Pistons don’t have a single guy who can stop him when he’s aggressive. We don’t need 53 points again—but we do need _attitude_. If Ant comes out locked in, the Wolves usually follow.
This game matters. A _lot_. Not just because it’s Detroit. But because it’s the kind of game that has burned this team before. And with only a handful of games left, you can’t afford to keep learning the same lesson.
So let’s see if this team is serious. Beat Detroit. Stack another win. And start climbing that Western Conference ladder before it’s too late.