After losing a close one to the Knicks, 94-91, the Timberwolves completed their tough stretch against the Heat, Thunder and Knicks with a 1-2 record, which isn't terrible considering the circumstances. This week, their schedule eases up immensely; they have just two games all week, against Houston and Phoenix. In fact, between now and Jan. 2, next Wednesday, the Wolves play just twice before heading into a stretch in which they play six of eight on the road in a span of 13 days. Where things stand: After dropping three of four last week, the Timberwolves' record fell to 13-12, third-best in the Northwest Division behind Oklahoma City and Denver, which has improved to 15-13 after winning four of five. Here's a look at where the two conferences stand in terms of playoff teams if the season were to end after eight weeks: East: (1) Heat, (2) Knicks, (3) Hawks, (4, tie) Bulls and Pacers, (6, tie) Bucks and Nets, (8) Celtics. On the bubble: The 76ers are a game out of eighth place, the Magic a 1.5. West: (1) Thunder, (2) Clippers, (3) Spurs, (4) Grizzlies, (5) Warriors, (6, tie) Rockets and Nuggets, (8) Timberwolves. On the bubble: The Jazz, like the Timberwolves, are also 7.5 games out of first place, but they have a worse winning percentage, .520 to .517. The Trail Blazers are a half game out of eighth place, the Lakers a game out. Interesting notes:
Follow
Joan Niesen on
Twitter.
