Warriors (W-L): 14-11
Timberwolves (W-L): 3-20
Time: 5:00pm PST
TV:FSN Bay Area
Radio: KNBR 680
Good for the Warriors playoffs chances
So this is what life looks like for the Twolves with KG. It's not a pretty sight is it? Boston is 20-2, Minnesota is 3-20. Nearly exact opposite records. Oh my goodness! I know we ask this every year or probably every time the Warriors play the Twolves, but I'll do it anyway, "How in the world does Kevin McHale have a job?!" You know what's scary? He could be employed even longer than this year because the owner will have given him a buffer since he's amassed some young talent. Hit the jump for more on the Twolves youngins and the Warriors chances.
Hahaha! Nellie, the Twolves aren't really an NBA team!
The Twolves believe they have a good young roster. They've traded for expiring deals and will probably try to collect draft picks for more talent. Honestly, I just don't trust McHale. But as long as they're bad, that's one less team for the Warriors to worry about. Anyways, here's a quick rundown of the young guys on their roster:
- Al Jefferson: He's head and shoulders above the rest of the group right now and they signed him cheap. A 22 year old, 20-10 guy at 5 years $55 million. Whoa. I'll take that in a heartbeat. This guy has the chance to be an All-Star. I am excited to watch this guy tomorrow.
- Craig Smith: An energy guy who might just out hustle the Warriors. He's had two 30 point games in December so far and looks to be settling into a groove. He's still had some poor nights, but overall it looks like he's going to be more of a consistent threat.
- Corey Brewer: He had a slow start to his rookie season, but has picked it up lately. If he can get his offense going, he'll be a valuable asset to any team. Still raw though
- Randy Foye: He's supposed to be the PG of the future for them. Unfortunately he's out indefinitely this year. Next year he might have to compete with OJ Mayo or Derrick Rose for the starting PG spot.
- Sebastian Telfair: This guy does nothing in Portland or Boston, but now is actually producing. It's a miracle! Or maybe Stephon Marbury's cousin needed the same basketball mecca that is Minnesota to jumpstart his career, just as Steph did.
- Gerald Green: Ummm wonderfully athletic but that's about it.
- Ryan Gomes: Nice role player off the bench, but doesn't do it for me
- Antoine Walker: Haha. Just making sure you're awake. I'm really not sure why he's playing. I can't imagine him helping the young guys develop. This guy never saw a 3 he didn't like. He's launching 4 per game in just 22 minutes per game, or 1 every 5.5 minutes. That may not seem like a lot to Warriors fans, but if he's playing 40 minutes a game, that's about 7/game. Whoa.
Outside of Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff may be the most valuable piece on this roster because of his massive, but expiring contract. The Wolves might just let it expire and reap the cap benefits, but I could also see them trading him in a deal for some talent or picks.
Even the team from this picture could beat the Twolves this year.
Hmmmm, well this is a Warriors blog, so maybe I should write about the Warriors. I'll keep it simple, the Warriors will win. This game will not be close. The only way the Warriors lose this game is if they get way too overconfident and think they can just walk in and beat this team. But I really don't see Nellie letting them come out flat like they did against Detroit. The Warriors have also shown the ability to beat teams they should be beating.
It's in the bag. The Twolves may wind up with one of the worst records in the history of the league. You know, now I know what it must have felt like to be a fan of any playoff contender facing the Warriors in past years. It's actually kind of fun to be overconfident, I'm...I'm not used to this yet. I can get used to it though.
Predictions
- Warriors win by 15
- Baron plays less than 33 minutes
- Marco and POB get on the court at the same time
- The Warriors are smoking from the arc and knock down 15 from the land of plenty
- Al Jefferson collects another double double
- Antoine Walker shoots 7 3's in under 25 minutes