Analysis
Cooper Flagg scored 43 on Monday and makes 83.3% of his shots at the rim, but only 39.2% from three to 10 feet. On Thursday the Wolves should wall off the basket, keep their hands back and stay home on Kyrie Irving.
Analysis
Rudy Gobert scored eight points and went 2-of-6 at the line in the 117-107 win over the Rockets. He was still a big reason Minnesota won, and his last two minutes showed why the Wolves need him without Anthony Edwards.
News
Omier backed out of a two-way deal with Minnesota to join Cleveland. The Wolves should still spend the open spot on frontcourt size, because the Spurs game showed how thin it is.
Analysis
With Clint Capela and Steven Adams out, the only center behind Şengün is a two-way player. The Wolves should make Şengün defend on every trip and own the glass in the minutes he sits.
Analysis
Ball carried the scoring against Milwaukee. With Ayo Dosunmu handling more of the passing, Minnesota found a division of labor worth keeping.
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.
