For fans in Minnesota, this was the season that the Timberwolves would finally turn things around. And, for the most part, they have. After adding Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague last summer, their young and talented core has proven that they can compete against the NBA’s elite teams.
In the process, they’ve assured that they’ll finish this season with a winning record for the first time in 13 years. They also have their eyes set on an equally-elusive postseason berth, which would mark their first playoff appearance since the 2004 season. But with four games left, they have just a 1.5-game lead on the ninth-place Nuggets, leaving them no margin for error as the season comes to a close.
The West standings have been chaotic, especially since the All-Star break, and Butler’s absence after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in February has rendered things that much more difficult. However, there was good news coming out of Minnesota on Monday as Butler has apparently been participating in full-contact practices with the team.
Jimmy Butler took part in five-on-five action today for the first time since his Feb. 23 meniscus injury, I'm told, and it went well. The T-Wolves star remains on track for a return before the playoffs, but his return date remains unclear. Minnesota plays at Denver Thursday.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 2, 2018
If Butler is indeed shooting for a return prior to the playoffs, that gives him a little over a week before their final game against Denver on April 11. Still, there’s always concern when there is the perception that a player might be rushing back from injury too soon, no matter how badly his team needs him.
As it stands, the Timberwolves would face off against the Warriors in round one, but if they could move up a spot and overtake Utah for the sixth seed, who holds just a half-game lead on them, that would offer them a much more favorable first-round matchup against the Blazers.
Regardless, it’s good news for ‘Wolves that their best player is back practicing with the team and could return to game action within the next week.
