Timberwolves Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Rockets

Minnesota's first-round opponent will be the Nuggets or Lakers

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with overlapping planes of color and movement, capturing the energy and intensity of the sport.The Timberwolves' balanced team effort and resilience in the face of injuries have them poised for a deep playoff run.Houston Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured their spot in the NBA playoffs with a 136-132 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The win locked in the Timberwolves as the No. 6 seed, setting up a first-round matchup against either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves have been battling injuries down the stretch, but their win over the Rockets keeps them in position for a favorable first-round playoff matchup. The team's ability to overcome key absences and secure a postseason berth is a testament to their depth and resilience.

The details

Terrence Shannon Jr. led the Timberwolves with 23 points off the bench, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points in his return to the lineup after a week-long absence. Minnesota also got strong contributions from Kyle Anderson, Joan Beringer, and several other role players to overcome a 41-point night from Rockets guard Amen Thompson and 33 points from Kevin Durant.

  • The Timberwolves clinched the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • Minnesota will close out the regular season on Sunday, April 12, 2026 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The players

Terrence Shannon Jr.

A Timberwolves guard/forward who had a team-high 23 points off the bench in the win over the Rockets.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' star guard, who returned to the lineup after a week-long absence and scored 22 points.

Kyle Anderson

A Timberwolves forward who had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists in the win.

Joan Beringer

A Timberwolves rookie big man who had a career-high 14 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting night.

Amen Thompson

A Rockets guard who scored a game-high 41 points in the loss.

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What’s next

The Timberwolves will close out the regular season on Sunday, April 12, 2026 against the New Orleans Pelicans. Their first-round playoff opponent will be determined by the outcomes of the Nuggets-Spurs and Lakers-Jazz games on the same day.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' ability to overcome key injuries and secure a playoff berth demonstrates the team's depth and resilience. With Anthony Edwards back in the lineup, Minnesota is well-positioned for a competitive first-round matchup against either the Nuggets or Lakers.