Western Conference Battle: Magic v Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves is shaping up for what promises to be an enticing game against the Orlando Magic on the 12 of March 2022, as the playoff race in the Western Conference starts to take shape. The two teams have faced each other once before this regular season with the Timberwolves taking a sombre 115-97 loss. It remains to be seen whether the result will change in their upcoming encounter.
The Orlando Magic are having what some would consider a tragic season with an overall season record of 15 wins and 48 losses, showing poor levels of performance, instability, and tactical mishaps throughout the year so far. The Timberwolves on the other hand have put together a competent season overall recording 34 wins and 29 losses. On paper these two records make the result seem cut and dry, but as was observed in the previous meeting between the two teams, anything can happen.
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Timberwolves Looking Strong
The Timberwolves are starting to put together a strong run of results recording 8 wins in their last ten games blowing some teams out of the water. The worrying aspect about this team, however, is their concentration and will to play at their best to win every game in front of them. They have shown now that they can string together good results but even in this good run, they were obliterated 133-102 by the Philadelphia 76ers. These kinds of results need to be cut out of the team for them to establish themselves as real contenders.
The Magic are in Deep Trouble
The Orlando Magic have become notorious for their awful defence and are pretty much now known as one of the worst defensive teams the league has ever seen. They are well on their way to recording a 10th straight season in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency as well, showing that no aspect of this team seems to be in working order right now.
One positive for the Orlando Magic is the return of Markelle Fultz after he tore his ACL at the start of the regular season. Having him back should boost the offensive output of the team, but as for the season, it might be time for the Magic to step back and reset.
Predictions
Overall, on paper, this game seems cut-and-dry. The Timberwolves area looking strong and are in business mode, putting together a strong run of results. They come up against a struggling Orlando Magic. There can surely only be one winner.