Limping to All-Star break, Timberwolves hope Hawks can cure ills

Minnesota looks to bounce back from recent slump before NBA's midseason showcase

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to snap out of a recent slump as they head into the NBA All-Star break, hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. The Timberwolves are coming off a 115-96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and have lost three of their last four games. Minnesota will try to get its offense going against an Atlanta team that has won two of its last three, led by Jalen Johnson's strong play.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves are hoping to regain their footing before the All-Star break, a crucial time for teams to recharge and make a push in the second half of the season. Minnesota has struggled with consistency on both ends of the floor, and a win over the Hawks could provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the midseason showcase.

The details

The Timberwolves are coming off a lopsided loss to the Clippers, in which they failed to find an offensive rhythm. Coach Chris Finch has emphasized the need for better ball movement and getting all of his players involved. Meanwhile, the Hawks have been led by the strong play of Jalen Johnson, who is averaging a team-high 23.4 points per game on 50.2% shooting.

  • The Timberwolves and Hawks will face off on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • This is the second and final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with the Hawks winning the first matchup 126-102 on December 31, 2025.

The players

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' leading scorer, averaging 23.4 points per game on 50.2% shooting in 49 games this season.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' top scorer, averaging 29.8 points per game.

Chris Finch

The Timberwolves' head coach, who has emphasized the need for better ball movement and getting all of his players involved.

Rudy Gobert

The Timberwolves' center, who recently called out the team's effort level on defense.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like we had good energy (Sunday). I felt like the offense just wasn't going for us, especially for myself. I have nothing to say about our defense. I thought we did a pretty good job (against the Clippers), it's just, we couldn't score the ball.”

— Anthony Edwards (statenews.net)

“I might miss my first couple shots in the game, and other guys might have it going, so that opens up for me to play-make. Obviously, when the time is right, I pick my spots. I'll be aggressive when I need to be, and that approach has helped me to stay even keel when I'm not shooting the ball well to start the game.”

— Jalen Johnson (statenews.net)

“We've got to get our offense going. We had a lot of turnovers (Sunday). We've got to get some kind of rhythm and speed to our offense. Guys are kind of not getting included in the offense enough. I think we get some connectivity from that. We don't have a great spirit about us right now; we've got to pick it up. Try to finish these last two games strong before the break.”

— Chris Finch, Timberwolves head coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Timberwolves will play their final game before the All-Star break on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves are in need of a confidence-boosting win over the Hawks to help them regain their footing before the All-Star break. Improving their offensive flow and getting all players involved will be key, as they look to snap out of their recent slump and head into the midseason showcase on a high note.