Timberwolves Face Celtics in Thrilling Game Preview #72
The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to TD Garden on March 22, 2026. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM CDT with television coverage on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo. Radio listeners can tune to KFAN FM, the Wolves App, or iHeartRadio.
Recent loss and standings impact
Minnesota fell at home to Portland on Friday. The defeat prevented a 3–0 homestand and came without Anthony Edwards in the lineup.
The loss dropped the Wolves from the fourth seed to the sixth. Minnesota now sits in a three-way tie with Houston and Denver. The Wolves hold none of the tie-breakers.
How the Portland game unraveled
Portland opened the decisive stretch in the second quarter. They scored on 10 of 11 possessions and built a 17-point lead.
Minnesota recovered late and even led by the end of the third quarter. The game ended with Jerami Grant drilling a corner three to take the lead in the final possession. Offensive rebounds and second-chance points were a recurring problem.
Individual and team notes
- Anthony Edwards remains out for Minnesota.
- Rudy Gobert must anchor the glass and protect the paint.
- Julius Randle had a poor night versus Portland and needs a strong response.
- Portland exploited lapses in perimeter defense and communication.
Matchup preview: Timberwolves Face Celtics
The opponent next is Boston, followed by matchups with Houston and Detroit. This stretch will test Minnesota’s ability to protect its seeding.
Boston appears healthier. Jayson Tatum has returned. Jaylen Brown remains a primary scoring option. The Celtics are deep and well-rounded when healthy.
Keys to the game
This is a Thrilling Game Preview that highlights five essentials Minnesota must execute. Each item is short and actionable.
- Value every possession. Turnovers feed Boston’s transition attack.
- Win the rebounding battle. Prevent offensive rebounds and second chances.
- Hunt high-efficiency offense. Feed Gobert, push Randle and McDaniels downhill.
- Stop the avalanche. Avoid short defensive lapses that spark Boston runs.
- Julius Randle must be a force. He needs to lead in scoring, rebounding, and physicality.
Outlook
With Edwards sidelined, margins shrink. Minnesota must out-execute Boston rather than out-talent them.
Coach Chris Finch will need timely timeouts and clear defensive game plans. The Wolves must correct rebounding and second-quarter lapses immediately.
Coverage reminder
Game time is March 22 at 7:00 PM CDT from TD Garden. NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo have television rights. KFAN FM, the Wolves App, and iHeartRadio will carry radio coverage.
