The Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash for the third and final time this season on January 6, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. With the game starting at 8 p.m. ET, both teams are coming off tough stretches and will be aiming for redemption.
The Clippers come to this matchup with a record of 20-15, placing them seventh in the Western Conference; conversely, the Timberwolves, at 17-17, are just tenth. Despite the Clippers’ stronger record, they have struggled to find consistency, particularly against the Timberwolves, who have defeated them in their two previous encounters this season. The first meeting on November 29 ended with Minnesota narrowly escaping with a one-point victory, with notable performances from the Clippers’ James Harden and Ivica Zubac falling short of securing the win.
Head coach Tyronn Lue’s squad faced another setback when they met again shortly thereafter, where the Timberwolves dominated the game and left the Clippers floundering. With franchise stars Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell sidelined due to injuries, Harden and Zubac were left to shoulder the burden, but the entire team struggled to find their rhythm. It was clear the Clippers were not firing on all cylinders.
This time around, there’s hope for the Clippers as Kawhi Leonard is off the injury report and is expected to play. This is significant, considering the impact he can have on the floor. His absence has been painful for the Clippers, and his return could shift the game entirely. Leonard's readiness offers fans reassurance, particularly after his emotional home debut, where he expressed mixed feelings about his performance.
On the injury front, the Clippers will be without forward P.J. Tucker and G-League affiliates Trentyn Flowers, Cam Christie, and Kai Jones. The Timberwolves are also managing their lineup, with rookie Rob Dillingham ruled out with an ankle sprain. Their starting five will feature Anthony Edwards, who has recently emerged as one of the league’s standout players.
Edwards is driving the Timberwolves’ attack, averaging about 25.3 points per game as he continues to evolve. He previously delivered exceptional performances, including scoring 53 points against the Pistons just before this game. His playmaking ability along with veteran Rudy Gobert positions Minnesota as legitimate threats.
The odds indicate Minnesota as 2.5-point favorites for this game, with the over/under set at 214.5 total points. While Minnesota has proven to be tough, especially against the Clippers, recent form shows both teams struggling. The Clippers had previously regained form with their recent 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, snapping their previous losing streak.
With two teams closely matched defensively, having allowed average points of 107.9 (Clippers) and 108 (Timberwolves), scoring will likely be hard-fought. Both squads are known for their slow and methodical playstyles, and any points produced throughout the game will surely come at a premium.
Despite the Timberwolves' recent success against the Clippers, it's imperative to note the battle for playoff positioning is heating up. The Clippers will aim to shake the unfavorable trend against Minnesota, who has won eight out of the last ten games against them.
“We’re still easing me back,” Leonard said, addressing his injury situation and the cautious approach being taken with his minutes. His contribution at this point will be closely monitored, but there’s optimism surrounding the star's recovery.
Aside from strategizing on the offensive end, the Clippers will need to capitalize on the basics—maintaining solid ball movement and executing on defense. The Timberwolves, with their perimeter shooting capabilities, are likely to test Los Angeles with three-point shooting, where Minnesota has averaged superiority over the Clippers in previous matches.
The stakes are high this evening as fans eagerly await to see how these two teams perform. With playoffs looming on the horizon, every victory counts. Will the Clippers finally break the losing streak against the Timberwolves? Or will Minnesota continue their hold over Los Angeles? Only time will reveal the outcome of this anticipated showdown.