OKC Thunder close gap on bottom 3: Tank wars Episode 4

Minnesota Timberwolves: (20-46)

As per above the final team who resides in that trio of bottom seeded teams who can earn the 14 percent odds of winning the top pick is the Wolves. Their situation is precarious as their pick is owed to the Warriors but has a top-three protection.

Akin to the Rockets pick with the Thunder this situation won’t be resolved until the lottery so Minnesota doesn’t retain it simply if they finish with a record ranked 28th or under. The bingo balls will ultimately decide the order of selection and subsequently who gets the Wolves pick.

Of the tanking clubs in the Thunder grouping, Minnesota is finishing with a hot hand. They won four games in a row prior to dropping their last two games. However, even in those losses they were competitive pushing the Pelicans to overtime and losing by only four points to the Grizzlies.

They begin a three-game road trip Friday with Florida clubs (Heat and Magic) on tap this weekend. That trip finishes in Detroit then they’ll close out the schedule at home versus the Celtics and Mavericks.

Of the teams who can get the best odds (14%), the Wolves are the most likely to value finishing the season on a high note via wins. And, with games versus both the Pistons and Magic that could result in two additional wins which would help Detroit and Orlando but also the Thunder.