Timberwolves-Jazz game preview: broadcast info, odds and analysis
Chris Hine's analysis: The Wolves lead the NBA in defensive efficiency, but can they avoid the kind of letdown that has hampered them the past two seasons?
November 4, 2023 at 1:59AM
vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m. Saturday, at Target Center
TV; radio: BSN; iHeart radio app.
Stats and analytics: Click here.
Pregame reading: How Karl-Anthony Towns is trying to help the Wolves despite inconsistent offense early this season.
For the fans: The Wolves were supposed to premiere this season's version of the City Edition court, but a delay in production will postpone its debut, the team said.
Chris Hine's preview:
Opening bell: Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said the Wolves will show they are a mature team when they can stack performances like Wednesday's blowout win over Denver. The Wolves struggled last season in games like Saturday, specifically against Utah, a team projected to be in the lottery. The Jazz beat the Wolves twice at Target Center last season. But their team has changed since then. Mike Conley now plays for the Wolves and Jarred Vanderbilt is on the Lakers.
Watch him: Since he joined the Jazz and became the focal point of their offense, former Wolves draft pick Lauri Markkanen has had his production take off. He averaged a career-high 25.6 points last season and is averaging 23.5 this season while shooting 46% from three-point range.
Injuries: None.
Forecast: This is a game the Wolves should win, but anyone who follows the team knows the Wolves tend to let down and lose games like this. They have a chance to prove this season will be different with a strong showing Saturday. The way they are playing defense so far (they are tops in defensive efficiency) is a positive sign that their effort will be there on a more consistent basis this season.
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The team's superstar ranted, calling the players “a bunch of little kids” and saying “internally, we soft.” Mike Conley joined him in saying the Wolves are too negative with each other: “We got to be able to talk.”
