Welcome to Layup Traces, For the Win’s basketball e-newsletter. Subscribe right here to get it delivered to your inbox each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Have suggestions for the Layup Traces Crew? Depart your questions, feedback and issues by this transient reader survey. Now, right here’s Prince J. Grimes.
What’s up, hoops followers. Welcome again to Layup Traces. I respect you for tapping again in at this time, particularly for those who’re a Minnesota Timberwolves fan. Issues haven’t precisely been going based on plan for that workforce.
After beginning the season 6-3, final yr’s Western Convention runners-up have misplaced six of their final eight video games together with three straight after Tuesday night time’s loss to the Houston Rockets. They’re now 8-9 and beneath .500 for the primary time since beginning the season 0-1, they usually’ll be lacing ’em up once more tonight for a gathering with the Sacramento Kings.
One other loss would give Minnesota its worst 18-game begin to the season since Anthony Edwards’ was a rookie in 2020-21. Fortunately, reinforcements are on the best way. Mike Conley is predicted again Wednesday after lacking the final three video games with a toe sprain.
OK, yeah, go forward and snort it up. Conley is 37 years previous, six-feet tall and averaging a career-low 7.5 factors on a career-low 32% from the sector whereas enjoying a career-low 25 minutes. Some reinforcements, huh?
However you’ll be able to’t argue with the outcomes. Regardless of Conley’s ignorable base stats, he’s had a big affect on his workforce. And that’s past Minnesota’s 0-4 report when he doesn’t play and 8-5 report when he does.
Mike Conley is off the Wolves Harm Report, and anticipated to make his return tonight
Timberwolves are 8-5 when MC performs this season
Timberwolves are 0-4 when he would not play pic.twitter.com/KRSUSz4hi2
— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) November 27, 2024
Minnesota’s web score is 6.4 factors per 100 possessions higher when Conley is on the ground, based on Cleansing the Glass, which is the workforce’s third-best on/off quantity and second-best amongst starters behind Rudy Gobert. That interprets to about 16 extra wins with Conley than with out.
His presence is particularly good for the workforce’s greatest participant, Edwards, who averages 7.18 factors per 100 possessions extra when Conley is on the ground, based on PBP Stats — the workforce’s second-biggest bounce with Conley on the ground behind reigning Sixth Man of the 12 months, Naz Reid. Edwards and Reid additionally see an uptick in three-point share with Conley round to arrange the offense, and they’re not the one ones.
3 level percentages of some guys when Mike Conley is on the ground this season … and when he’s not
DiVincenzo
W/ Mike: 43.8
W/O Mike: 27.9Jaden
W/ Mike: 35.2
W/O Mike: 24.3Naz
W/ Mike: 53.8
W/O Mike: 34.3Ant
W/ Mike: 48.4
W/O Mike: 39.6— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) November 27, 2024
Not everyone seems to be satisfied Conley is a viable resolution for the Wolves’ level guard downside. Zach Lowe mentioned on X it’s nonetheless one thing to workforce wants to handle. However even when Conley isn’t the reply, that participant may nonetheless be on the workforce, and he’ll want Conley to maximise his potential.
Rookie Rob Dillingham gained useful expertise filling in for Conley the final two video games, and confirmed flashes of what he can convey after lastly seeing some actual minutes. Better of all, Conley gave the impression to be his greatest supporter.
Rob Dillingham noticed the largest alternative of his younger NBA profession Tuesday night time and showcased what he may, in time, convey to this Timberwolves workforce.
Playmaking imaginative and prescient, downhill burst, taking pictures and fast decision-making would all enhance Minnesota’s offense: pic.twitter.com/IrtCds0zxo
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) November 27, 2024
Rob Dillingham superior protection, Mike Conley watches proudly pic.twitter.com/8nUaepk6QT
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) November 27, 2024
That’s why Conley’s return is so vital. It’s one factor for him to inform Dillingham find out how to run an offense. It’s one other factor for him to point out him. And if Dillingham is Minnesota’s future level guard, there aren’t many higher bridge gamers than Conley, who nonetheless clearly helps the Wolves win within the meantime.
Extra gamers returning, together with Lonzo Ball
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Pictures
Mike Conley isn’t the one participant anticipated to make his return to the ground quickly. A number of different groups even have stars coming again who could make important impacts.
Lonzo Ball
After lacking the final two seasons with knee points, Ball returned to play three video games this yr earlier than spraining his wrist. He’s anticipated again from that newest damage Wednesday in opposition to the Orlando Magic.
Khris Middleton
Middleton lately accomplished 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN Shams Charania reported, and he’s anticipated to make his season debut a while after Thanksgiving. His return will come simply as Milwaukee is hitting its stride with a five-game profitable streak.
Dejounte Murray
Murray is predicted to make his return to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday after fracturing his hand within the season opener. His return will comply with CJ McCollum, who got here again earlier this week after lacking a month of motion.
Not listed below are Joel Embiid and Paul George, who’ve each been dominated out for Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Houston Rockets — a recreation the 3-13 Philadelphia 76ers desperately must win
Shootaround
— Kalbrosky: Dylan Harper is probably the most thrilling prospect within the 2025 draft
— Have you ever ever seen a wine glass as large as Yao Ming’s? Blake Schuster did some investigative journalism to search out out simply how large it’s
— USA TODAY Sports activities’ NBA energy rankings weren’t variety to the 76ers
— HoopsHype interviewed Warmth rookie Pelle Larsson
That’s all for at this time, people. Have a contented Thanksgiving and ensure these leftovers are gone by the point we speak once more subsequent Wednesday.
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