:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60660757/usa-today-10460695.0.0.0.jpg)
The Orlando Magic have had their share of ups and downs this season – and mostly the latter. Maybe the Magic could learn a thing or two from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have finally turned their young core into a playoff-bound success story.
To be fair, the T-Wolves started with a more favorable hand in No. 1 overall picks Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, but they made special care to develop those young players into stars and make the necessary adjustments when the time came. The major tweak this season has been a swapping of young prospects Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine for All-Star veteran Jimmy Butler, who has captained a defense that has seen a major turnaround.
For the Magic to be successful, they will need to limit their turnovers, a stat that the Timberwolves are first in the league at forcing. Though the Orlando roster has been in flux, they will need to trust each other and create easy shots or be suffocated by the 'Wolves defense.
Line: Minnesota -8.5
Injuries:
Orlando — Jonathan Isaac (Ankle) – OUT; Terrence Ross (Knee) – OUT; Nikola Vucevic (Hand) – OUT
Minnesota — Justin Patton (Toe) – OUT