Timberwolves 2016-17 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds, Record Predictions

The Minnesota Timberwolves feature one of the NBA’s most promising rosters, and the 2016-17 season may be the start of an extended stretch of playoff appearances for the franchise. The question is whether they are prepared to compete with the league’s elite.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins are the foundation of something special budding in Minnesota. Now the focus is on if their supporting cast, led by the likes of Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn, is ready for prime time.

Let’s check out all of the important information for the upcoming campaign following the league’s schedule release. That’s followed by a look at what lies ahead and a record prediction.

2016-17 Details

Season Opener: Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Memphis Grizzlies (8 p.m. ET)

Championship Odds: 40-1 (via Odds Shark)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

Top Matchups

Utah Jazz (Nov. 28, Jan. 7, March 1 and April 7)

The T-Wolves are a dangerous team because another full season of development for their young roster could put them in position to pull off a postseason shocker in the first round. Of course, they must qualify for the playoffs first.

Two teams from their division figure to serve as roadblocks in that quest. The Utah Jazz are one. They missed the playoffs by a single game last season and figure to find themselves in the muddled middle of the Western Conference once again.

Josh Eberley of Hoop Magazine believes both teams could be part of a changing of the guard in the West:

I think the Wolves, Pelicans, and Jazz could all get in this year.

— Josh Eberley (@JoshEberley) July 16, 2016

Games between the sides should be interesting chess matches. The Timberwolves are a strong offensive team still working on the defensive side, and the Jazz are the direct opposite. Utah could end up as one of the best defensive teams in the league.

The Jazz won last season’s series 3-1. If the Wolves want to bolster their playoff chances in an environment where a few games …

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