The first-place Minnesota Timberwolves have been dismantling top-tier foes like its their job (it is) all season long, but despite their dominance on defense and flashy skill on offense they’ve been promoted via a national television audience just twice.
Minnesota’s blowout of the Memphis Grizzlies was on TNT on Jan. 18. The only other game on national TV was Minnesota’s win over the Spurs at Target Center on Dec. 6, which was broadcast by ESPN.
Now that 65% of the regular season is done, the Timberwolves (37-16) will finally get their due and be showcased to national television audiences four times in their next 12 games.
- Friday, Feb. 23: Wolves vs. Bucks, 9 p.m. on ESPN
- Wednesday, Feb. 28: Wolves vs. Grizzlies, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN
- Sunday, March 10: Wolves at Lakers, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN
- Tuesday, March 12: Wolves at Clippers, 9 p.m. on TNT
The only other game the rest of the regular season slated for national TV is Minnesota’s April matchup with the Denver Nuggets, which is a 9 p.m. start on ESPN.
The Timberwolves were originally only scheduled to have five games televised by ESPN or TNT, so the fact that they’ll end with at least seven is a very slight recognition by the NBA’s TV partners for Minnesota’s steady performance as a Western Conference leader.
By the way, the San Antonio Spurs have been on TNT or ESPN 10 times this season.
