With one game left in the regular season, the Timberwolves (41-40) have clinched a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament. Depending on what happens Sunday, they can finish anywhere from seventh to ninth in the West, and where they finish means a lot for their playoff hopes.
Where the Timberwolves will finish in the Western Conference
This much is clear: The Wolves can avoid needing to win two play-in games to reach the playoffs with a victory over New Orleans in the season finale.
April 9, 2023 at 1:03AM
Finishing seventh: Wolves beat New Orleans, L.A. Lakers lose to Utah
This would mean that, like last year, the Wolves would play at home Tuesday against the eighth-place finisher for the No. 7 seed in the West, facing Memphis in the first round. The loser of that game would then play the winner of the No. 9-10 play-in game Friday for the No. 8 seed — that game would also be at home.
Finishing eighth: Wolves beat New Orleans, L.A. Lakers beat Utah
The Wolves would still get two chances to win one game, but their first game would be on the road Tuesday. If they lost that game, they would play the No. 9-10 winner at home Friday for the No. 8 seed.
Finishing ninth: Wolves lose to New Orleans
This would mean the Wolves would have to win two play-in games just to get the No. 8 seed and face Denver in the first round — they would need to win both Wednesday night at home against Oklahoma City and on the road Friday against the loser of the No. 7-8 game.
Despite so-so record, Wolves have improved at crunch time.
