Minnesota Timberwolves vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions January 6th 2025

Kawhi Leonard ‘Easing’ Back into Action as Clippers Visit Wolves

Kawhi Leonard will look to build on his cautious season debut when the Los Angeles Clippers face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night in Minneapolis.

Leonard’s Gradual Return

Leonard made his first appearance of the season in a 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 12 points in 19 minutes. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue plans to continue easing Leonard back into action as he recovers from a right knee injury.

“We’re still easing me into the game,” Leonard said. “We’re on nobody’s timetable. Anybody watching that wants me to score 20 or 30 points or be aggressive, we are not on anyone’s timeframe. We know what’s ahead of us, and we have to keep building in the right direction.”

The Clippers are banking on Leonard’s steady progression to complement the team’s already potent offense led by Norman Powell (23.5 points per game), James Harden (21.5), and Ivica Zubac (15.0).

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Timberwolves’ Struggles and Edwards’ Scoring Prowess

Minnesota enters the matchup with a 2-0 record against the Clippers this season but is battling inconsistency. The Timberwolves have lost three consecutive games and six of their last nine, bringing their season record to an even .500.

Anthony Edwards continues to shine, coming off a career-high 53-point performance in a 119-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Despite his offensive brilliance, Minnesota has struggled to establish consistency across the roster.

Veteran guard Mike Conley acknowledged the team’s need for a more balanced and collective approach.

“We are inconsistent with the approach to the game. One game we have a lot of energy, other games we don’t. One game we compete a bit more than others,” Conley said. “We have to find a balance for that starting unit that allows us to start these games off the way we’re capable of starting them off.”

Key Matchups and Players to Watch

For the Timberwolves, Edwards leads the charge with 25.3 points per game, supported by Julius Randle’s 20.1 points and seven rebounds per contest. Rudy Gobert remains a double-double threat, averaging 10.2 points and 10.3 rebounds.

The Clippers, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on Leonard’s sharpshooting, which teammate Terance Mann praised.

“His jump shot, he rarely missed during rehab,” Mann said. “It’s good to see that 3-ball for him, and everything else will come naturally to him.”

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Timberwolves Seek Season Sweep

Minnesota has already secured two wins against the Clippers this season. They edged out Los Angeles 93-92 at home on Nov. 29 and claimed a decisive 108-80 victory on the road on Dec. 4.

Monday’s game presents the Timberwolves with a chance to sweep the regular-season series, while the Clippers aim to find their groove with Leonard back on the floor. Both teams are eager to regain momentum, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown in Minneapolis.