Timberwolves Need to Reverse Course Against Lowly Pacers

Minnesota coach Chris Finch admits the team is 'a million miles' from where they should be this late in the season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of blue, green, and gold, conceptually representing the competitive clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers.A cubist interpretation of the Timberwolves' struggle to regain their form against the injury-plagued Pacers, reflecting the fractured nature of their recent play.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves, currently clinging to sixth place in the Western Conference, will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they visit the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Minnesota has been hampered by injuries to key players like Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, while the Pacers have dealt with an extensive injury crisis all season long.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves are in a tight race for playoff positioning, so this game against the NBA-worst Pacers represents an important opportunity to get back on track. Minnesota's recent struggles have coach Chris Finch concerned about the team's spirit and connectedness, which they'll need to rediscover to make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Timberwolves are coming off a 122-108 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in which they surrendered a big third-quarter lead. Minnesota will be without Edwards, who has missed eight of the last 10 games with a knee injury, as well as McDaniels, who is week-to-week with a left knee issue. The Pacers, meanwhile, have been decimated by injuries all season and are playing without several of their top scorers, including All-Star forward Pascal Siakam.

  • The Timberwolves and Pacers will tip off on Tuesday, April 6, 2026.
  • Edwards has missed eight of Minnesota's past 10 games with a right knee injury.
  • McDaniels has missed five straight games for the Timberwolves with a left knee injury.

The players

Chris Finch

Head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Anthony Edwards

Star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Jaden McDaniels

Forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is week-to-week with a left knee injury.

Mike Conley

Veteran guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Pascal Siakam

All-Star forward for the Indiana Pacers who is currently out with an ankle injury.

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What they’re saying

“For sure, it feels like we're a million miles away from the team that we can be and that we are. We've got to get that back with our connectiveness and our spirit. And we've got to have some guys just play better… We've got to make all the little plays, the gritty plays, just stay in it.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“There are no excuse as to who's in or out of the line-up right now. We just feel like we should play a better brand of basketball regardless of who's on the floor.”

— Mike Conley, Veteran Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

“Congratulations to the Potters — it's a boy. He kept the drama going right up to the jump, with two pairs of sneakers out there … but it was pretty good. I decided (game night) to make a switch (to start Potter ahead of Jay Huff), because this is a big deal. It's really a momentous thing, having your first child. This is a little bit (of an) unusual way to announce it, but if we can help light up one of our guys and make it even more special, why not do it.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers

What’s next

The Timberwolves will need to find a way to get back on track and reverse their recent slide in order to solidify their playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Their next game against the lowly Pacers represents an important opportunity to get a much-needed win.

The takeaway

This game highlights the Timberwolves' struggles to maintain consistency and team chemistry amid key injuries, while the Pacers continue to battle through an injury-plagued season. Minnesota must rediscover its identity and competitive spirit to avoid falling further behind in the playoff race.