Timberwolves Struggle to Find Rhythm Ahead of Playoffs

Minnesota's recent slump has them fighting for playoff positioning with just days remaining in the regular season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court and players, using sharp angles and overlapping planes in shades of blue, green, and red to convey the Timberwolves' struggle to find cohesion as the playoffs approach.The Timberwolves' recent slide has fractured their playoff positioning, requiring a late-season push to regain their form.Philadelphia Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit a rough patch late in the season, losing 4 of their last 5 games. With superstar Anthony Edwards and key defender Jaden McDaniels sidelined by injuries, the team has struggled to regain the form that took them to the conference finals in each of the past two years. Coach Chris Finch described the team as 'a million miles away from the team that we can be' as they try to secure a playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves were expected to be a top contender in the Western Conference this season, but their recent slide has put their playoff positioning in jeopardy. With the postseason fast approaching, Minnesota needs to find its rhythm and cohesion to make a deep run.

The details

The Timberwolves (46-32) have fallen three games behind the fifth-place Houston Rockets in the West and are only three games ahead of the seventh-place Phoenix Suns. They've dealt with injuries to key players like Edwards and McDaniels, and sixth man Naz Reid has also been struggling with a shoulder issue. Coach Finch has pointed to a lack of 'connectedness and spirit' as the team has slipped into another funk.

  • The Timberwolves play at Indiana on Tuesday, at Orlando on Wednesday, and at Houston on Friday before finishing the regular season at home against New Orleans on Sunday.
  • Tickets for the NBA playoffs go on sale on Monday.

The players

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves who has expressed concern about the team's recent struggles and lack of cohesion.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' superstar player who has missed 8 of the team's last 10 games due to a lingering right knee injury.

Jaden McDaniels

The Timberwolves' third-leading scorer and ace defender who has missed the past 5 games with a left knee injury.

Naz Reid

The Timberwolves' sixth man who has been playing through a shoulder issue and struggling with his shooting, going 3-for-14 in the team's most recent loss.

Mike Conley

The veteran guard brought in this season to provide leadership and support for the Timberwolves, rather than major on-court contributions.

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What they’re saying

“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 connectedness and our spirit. We've got to have some guys just play better.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“I know guys can get down individually if things aren't going their way, and we do have an emotional team and it can spiral if it gets too crazy. It's just about trying to keep everybody's spirits up and understanding that we're a really good team. Just because we hit a tough stretch with injuries or whatever we're dealing with, we have a lot in the tank.”

— Mike Conley, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

The Timberwolves will look to secure a playoff spot and improve their seeding in the final four games of the regular season. Their matchup with the Rockets on Friday could be crucial, but it will depend on the Rockets' results earlier in the week.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' recent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining momentum and cohesion in the NBA, even for a talented team. As they head into the playoffs, Minnesota will need to rediscover its identity and energy to make a deep postseason run.