Timberwolves Defeat Pacers 124-104, Inch Closer to Clinching Top 6 Seed

Ayo Dosunmu scores 24 points as Minnesota secures critical victory amid key absences.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:33am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with dynamic brushstrokes capturing the kinetic energy of a basketball game, players' forms blending into the energetic composition.The Timberwolves' high-octane offense overwhelms the Pacers, keeping Minnesota on track for a top 6 playoff seed.Brooklyn Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves picked up a crucial 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu's 24 points. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland also scored 19 points each for the Timberwolves, who are on the verge of clinching a top six seed in the Western Conference and avoiding the play-in tournament. Minnesota secured the victory despite missing key players Anthony Edwards and Jayden McDaniels due to injuries.

Why it matters

This win is a major boost for the Timberwolves as they try to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Clinching a top six seed would allow them to bypass the play-in tournament, giving them a better chance at making a deep postseason run. The Pacers, meanwhile, are struggling mightily and are in danger of posting the lowest single-season win total in franchise history.

The details

The Timberwolves took control of the game late in the first quarter and never looked back, leading by as many as 25 points in the second half. Hyland added 7 assists to his 19 points, while Rudy Gobert grabbed 12 rebounds. For the Pacers, Ethan Thompson led the way with 17 points, while Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson each scored 14.

  • The Timberwolves could clinch a top six seed later on Tuesday if the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns.
  • The Timberwolves will travel to Orlando for their final back-to-back of the regular season on Wednesday.
  • The Pacers will play their final road game of the season on Thursday at Brooklyn.

The players

Ayo Dosunmu

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored a team-high 24 points in the victory.

Julius Randle

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

Bones Hyland

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 19 points and dished out 7 assists.

Ethan Thompson

A player for the Indiana Pacers who led the team with 17 points.

Obi Toppin

A player for the Indiana Pacers who scored 14 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must keep building momentum as we head into the playoffs. This was a big win for us tonight.”

— Ayo Dosunmu, Timberwolves Guard

What’s next

The Timberwolves will look to clinch their top six seed on Wednesday when they travel to face the Orlando Magic, while the Pacers will play their final road game of the season on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' victory over the struggling Pacers keeps them on track to avoid the play-in tournament, a critical goal as they aim to make a deep playoff run. However, the team will need to continue finding ways to win without key injured players like Anthony Edwards if they hope to make noise in the postseason.