Why the Timberwolves’ Struggles This Season Could Spark an Unexpected Comeback

So, here we are again, standing at the edge of another NBA season, wondering if the Minnesota Timberwolves can finally climb higher in a Western Conference that’s as cutthroat as ever. With a lineup boasting talent but lacking some depth — hello, Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s offseason exit — the challenge seems almost Herculean. Can Anthony Edwards continue his rise amid such fierce competition, or will the T-Wolves’ bark turn out to be sharper than their bite this time around? The West’s strength isn’t just a talker’s topic; it’s a looming beast ready to test every ounce of grit Minnesota’s got. Let’s dive into why this season might just be the toughest yet for a team that’s already shown flashes of brilliance but faces an uphill battle to surpass last year’s mark.

Multiple teams across the NBA will attempt to climb higher in the standings in 2025-26, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Western Conference will be incredibly tough, and the Timberwolves will have a hard time rising up the ranks.

Writing for ESPN, Tim Bontemps said that the Timberwolves will be competitive, but it may not be enough.

“Minnesota has surpassed 51 wins just twice in franchise history: in 2004 and 2024. Last season, Minnesota reached its second straight West finals but won 49 games and finished sixth in the standings. Minnesota, behind Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, a flexible roster and Chris Finch’s coaching, will still be a difficult out next spring. But until then, given the strength of the West and the questions on the roster, improving from last year’s win total could prove difficult,” Bontemps wrote.

There is no doubt that the T-Wolves have talent, but the West is going to make life very difficult for them.

The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder will be one of the largest threats, but the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and others will also make a lot of noise.

The West hasn’t been this deep in a long time.

Minnesota lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the offseason, and they will need to rely on everyone a lot more.

If injuries or inconsistencies flare up, the Timberwolves will look worse than they did last year.

Anthony Edwards is one of the best young players in the league and a leader who should never be counted out.

But 2025-26 could be the biggest challenge of his career, and the Timberwolves will have their work cut out for them.

The post Timberwolves Given Discouraging Outlook This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.