Analysis
New Orleans takes fewer threes than anyone, lives at the rim and makes more free throws than any team in the league. In Friday's NBA Cup game, the Wolves should pack the paint, keep their hands back and let the Pelicans' guards shoot.
Analysis
Minnesota's reserves scored 49 and 51 before falling to 24 in San Antonio. Chris Finch should stagger Dosunmu with them before treating one bad night as a broken rotation.
Analysis
Finch has an opening for Williams against Milwaukee. Minnesota should build his audition around moving without the ball and making the next pass.
Analysis
Clark has taken eight threes in three games after attempting one in his first three appearances. Minnesota should give that willingness room to survive a cold night.
Analysis
Beringer played the entire fourth quarter after four third-quarter fouls against San Antonio. Finch should keep giving him chances to work through trouble.
Analysis
Milwaukee gives up the third-highest share of shots at the rim and forces fewer turnovers than any defense in the league. After a 2-for-10 night in San Antonio, Ball's drive is Monday's best play.
Analysis
Victor Wembanyama scored 43 in San Antonio's 121-111 win. The Wolves should start their response with the 16 offensive rebounds they allowed.
Analysis
San Antonio has allowed 49.7% shooting on twos and 39.4% on threes. Minnesota should use Ball to create perimeter chances before challenging Wembanyama inside.
Analysis
Hyland has played eight minutes a night so far. Last spring, when Edwards sat, he played 25 a night and made 38% of his threes. If Ayo Dosunmu moves into the starting five, the second unit needs him again.
Analysis
Golden State has allowed 62.7% shooting on twos and sits 28th in defensive rebounding. Minnesota's first game without Edwards should run through Rudy Gobert, Joan Beringer and the paint.
Analysis
Both teams shot 23 free throws in Cleveland. The Cavaliers made 17, the Wolves made 14 and lost by two in overtime. Through four games, Minnesota is the worst free-throw shooting team in the league.
Analysis
Shams Charania says Edwards will miss up to two months after a right-knee procedure. Minnesota should give Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. more work instead of asking LaMelo Ball to replace Ant.
Analysis
Ball has picked up exactly four fouls in each of Minnesota's three wins and played 68 minutes in all. Margins of 22 to 25 points mean it has cost the Wolves nothing yet.
Analysis
I'd use Harden's assignment as a screener and make Cleveland choose its help. His cold shooting is no reason to give him an easy night at the other end.
Analysis
Finch welcomed the intensity of Minnesota's September workouts. That standard should reward useful bench minutes and survive a young player's mistakes.
Analysis
Minnesota has won 10 straight home openers. I want that reliability to last beyond Sunday, after a 26-15 home record last season.
Analysis
Five three-point attempts in Orlando offered the right blueprint. Minnesota needs Lyles willing to shoot alongside its centers, with rebounding keeping those minutes worthwhile.
