NBA power rankings week 13: Halfway mark, OKC Thunder hold steady

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Offense: (105.9) 23rd
Defense: (109.1) 15th
Net: (minus -3.1) 23rd

Games Week 13 (0-4): Lost vs. Thunder: 104-117, Pacers: 99-104, at Pacers: 114-116, Raptors: 112-122
Games Week 14 (4 games): Mon vs. Nuggets | Weds at Bulls | Fri vs. Rockets | Sat vs Thunder

Lots of news in Minny this week as they made a trade to send out Jeff Teague returning him to the Hawks. In addition, Treveon Graham leaves and the incoming asset is Allen Crabbe who’ll presumably offer shooting (certainly won’t help the defense) and he’s on an expiring contract. This feels like a move to clear a roster space or the start of other moves to follow.

Karl Anthony-Towns returned to the lineup for the final two games of the week. The issue with him back is now they can score but they can’t defend.

Overall a rough week for the Wolves who got swept in four games. The home and home series versus the Pacers was the highlight of the week but the Thunder and Raptors handed them their hats and the scores are a generous reflection of garbage time.

Although the scored 39 points on the Raptors in the first quarter (most against them this season) Toronto shook off the road doldrums to pull away winning every other frame.

Moving forward we’ll need to keep our eyes peeled to the trade deadline and whether the Wolves try to go after D’Angelo Russell to appease KAT. That would be an interesting pairing because although it would add offense I’m not sure how keen Russell is to provide playmaking and again it’s another non-defender.

Also, now that KAT is back. keep your eye on the defensive ranking as it’s highly likely all the gains Minnesota made will be swept away.