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Regular Season Game 20
Wizards (10-9) at Timberwolves (12-8)
November 28, 2017 at 8:00PM Target Center | Minneapolis, MN TV: NBCSW+ Radio: 1500 AM
What to Watch: The New and Improved Timberwolves
[CARLOS GONZALEZ/STAR TRIBUNE PHOTOS]
Simply put, the Wolves are stacked. The additions of Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson to a lineup already studded with KAT and Andrew Wiggins have given the Wolves the ingredients to become a juggernaut in the Western Conference. But have they mixed well? Tales of the early season suggest so.
Key Matchup:
The Wizards vs. Themselves
With John Wall missing from the lineup, the wizards will be forced to operate without their primary source of offense, which, in more simpler terms, means the next two or some odd weeks are going to blow. The Wizards may have every reason feel sorry for themselves, but they also have the option to overcome.
One thing the wizards cannot allow themselves to do is succumb to the wrath of a late game collapse like they did against Portland on Sunday night. Up 15 in the 4th the wizards were in position to shock the world that had doubted them without Wall. And For stretches at a time the Wizards actually looked mighty enough to make up for their colossal loss. Unfortunately that didn’t include the final stretch, where the Wizards suddenly found themselves against the proverbial ropes, trying to swing back at a stunning Blazers comeback.
The Wizards are going to have to scrap to pick up the pieces John left after his injury. They’re going to have to strategize well for additional scoring options. The task itself is a daunting one, and the last the the wizards need is to be an unredeeming one because they can’t keep their shit together late in games.
X-Factor:
Keef Morris
Speaking of additional scoring options, here’s one. We all talk about Otto and Beal as viable scoring options, but we all know Keef can put the ball in the basket as well. With Wall out, it is imperative for Keef to aggressively look for buckets, and it is imperative for Scott Brooks to increase Keef’s offensive workload and run more plays through him.
Fun Factor:
This Vine will follow Jeff Teague wherever he goes.
Prediction:
With basketball alive again in the Twin Cities, Target Center will likely be just as alive. The Wiz do come in to tonight's game rested after two nights off which may work to an advantage, perhaps late in the game. Still, I just don't see the Wizards without John Wall overcoming the starpower coming out of Minnesota. The Wiz may keep it close for most of the game, but I wouldn't be surprised if Minnesota finds a way to exploit the void in DC and run away with it late. I neglectfully predict a Wolves win.