GAME THREAD: Dallas Mavericks versus Minnesota Timberwolves

WHO: Dallas Mavericks versus Minnesota Timberwolves

WHAT: A must-win for Minnesota

WHEN: 7:30pm Central

WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

HOW: FSSW, Fox Sports Go, or NBA League Pass

THE STORY: The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in a bit of a rough patch lately. The team has won just five of their 12 games this month, including a big loss to the Spurs, with whom the Timberwolves are battling for playoff seeding, and a disappointing loss to the very bad Memphis Grizzlies. They’ve dropped all the way to seventh seed, but because the lower half of the Western Conference playoff race is insane this year, they’re about as close to ninth place as they are to fourth. Every game matters down this final stretch. If you haven’t had a chance to watch Minnesota play much this season, check out this Tim Cato breakdown of Karl-Anthony Towns’ incredible scoring prowess.

The Mavericks face just two more Western Conference playoff teams (after tonight’s game against the Wolves, they’ll play the Trail Blazers on Tuesday). How you feel about that probably depends on how much hope you have for the team improving their draft odds, but it’s fair to say this will be one of their tougher match-ups as they close out their season.

Go Mavs!