Timberwolves Clinch Top 6 Seed in West with Win Over Pacers

Minnesota secures playoff spot despite missing key players Edwards and McDaniels.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:55pm

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The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Indiana Pacers 124-104 on Saturday, clinching a top 6 seed in the upcoming Western Conference playoffs. Ayo Dosunmu led the Wolves with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals, while Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 points each. Minnesota improved to 47-32 on the season and currently sits in 6th place in the West with 3 games left.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves' win secures their spot in the playoffs, despite missing star players Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels due to knee injuries. This ensures Minnesota will avoid the play-in tournament and have home-court advantage in the first round.

The details

The Timberwolves dominated the Pacers, leading by as many as 20 points. In addition to Dosunmu's big game, Naz Reid scored 17 points and Donte DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each had 11. Minnesota shot 51% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Timberwolves' next game is on Wednesday, April 12, 2026 against the Orlando Magic.

The players

Ayo Dosunmu

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who led the team with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in the win over the Pacers.

Julius Randle

A forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 19 points in the victory.

Bones Hyland

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who also scored 19 points against the Pacers.

Naz Reid

A center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who contributed 17 points in the win.

Anthony Edwards

A star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who missed the game due to a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to take care of business tonight to lock up that top 6 spot. The guys really stepped up with A.E. and Jaden out.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

The Timberwolves will visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, April 12, 2026 as they continue their push towards the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' ability to clinch a top 6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs despite key injuries to Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels demonstrates the team's depth and resilience. This positions them well to make a postseason run.