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NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

By Corey Rausch

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

team. 86. . 6-20. Previous: 29th. Minnesota Timberwolves. 30

Last Week: Lost to Dallas Mavericks 127-122, Lost to LA Clippers 119-112, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 120-114

This Week: 2/14 at Toronto Raptors, 2/16 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2/17 vs. Indiana Pacers, 2/19 vs. Toronto Raptors

This is just getting depressing. Karl-Anthony Towns is back in the lineup. Much like years past, that does not mean that wins will follow. The Minnesota Timberwolves are in sole possession of last place in the standings and relief does not appear to be anywhere in sight.

Towns is good and showed it this week, averaging 21.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game on shooting splits of .515/.467/1.00. Malik Beasley has been the best player on this team this season, dropping 22 points in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks. Anthony Edwards has started to look like the number one pick should look and showed out in the battle against fellow rookie star LaMelo Ball.

The issue is none of these positives are leading to wins. This is not like the Detroit Pistons, who had expectations of being bad. The Minnesota Timberwolves at least touted expectations of competing for the playoffs this season. Unfortunately for one of the top prospects in the loaded draft next season, they may be looked at as the next guy tasked with saving the franchise.

This week will not be any easier with games against the Toronto Raptors (twice), Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers. Already on a four-game losing streak, Minnesota’s next win could take a while.