BBNBA: Heat clinch one-seed, Malik Monk pops off

Four different ‘Cats went for 20 points or more on Thursday. So let’s talk Timberwolves, 76ers and Malik Monk.

Timberwolves take down Spurs behind Edwards’ huge night

In a preview of a potential play-in matchup, the Timberwolves defeated the visiting Spurs as Anthony Edwards stole the night. The second-year former No. 1 pick scored 49 points in flashy fashion while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double. Minnesota’s stars took care of business in the 127-121 victory to stay just two games back of Denver for the six-seed.

ANTHONY EDWARDS PUT TRE JONES ON A POSTER 😳 pic.twitter.com/QtwRey4HYU

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 8, 2022

If Denver had lost to Memphis, Minnesota would’ve pulled within a game of the six spot and escaping the play-in, but the Nuggets’ win means the T-Wolves are locked into the seven-seed. They’ll face the LA Clippers in the first game of the West play-in. Minnesota just needs to win that one and they’re in. If they lose, they’ll face the winner of the Spurs and Pelicans — two teams they ought to beat, although you never know in a one-game scenario.

The Clippers may be getting Paul George AND Kawhi Leonard for the postseason, though, making that game all the more difficult for Minnesota. Either way, they’ll have two shots at getting one win on their home court. Gotta get it done so they don’t waste a great season.

Malik Monk auditions for free agency

Now eliminated from the playoffs, it’s safe to see the 2021-22 Lakers season was a colossal disaster from start to finish. If LeBron James stays in LA, as most believe he will, major roster overhaul is once again set to take place. So we’re likely experiencing Malik Monk’s final few games as a Laker.

He signed a one-year deal for the minimum last summer when, surprisingly, no other teams sought his services following a semi-breakout season. He played well in 2021-22 all things considered and was the best shooter on a team that lacked it desperately — Monk knocked down 39% of 5.7 three-point attempts per game. That’ll get him a multi-year deal this offseason if he wants it.

With the Lakers resting LeBron and other starters, Monk is getting some extended opportunity. Thursday, he scored 24 points and dished out four assists while making three triples. Monk’s always had a knack for playing well at the tail end of the season. April is his most productive month throughout his career, where he averages over 12 points a game compared to under 10 in most other months.

Heat clinch one-seed as Celtics & Sixers lose

I broke down the many scenarios for the East’s one-seed on Thursday, the most obvious of which being the Heat locking down the top spot with a loss from the Celtics. Well, the Bucks took care of Boston and the 76ers lost, clinching the top spot for an idle Miami team. I’d think they’ll rest their stars like Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler to give them a breather before the postseason.

Meanwhile, the 76ers did themselves no favors on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey knocked down four of five 3-point tries and dropped 22 points but his Sixers still wound up falling to the Raptors, which can overtake Philadelphia for the five-seed if they win out and the Sixers lose their last two.

Ultimately, the teams would be swapping homecourt advantage if it happened, so Philly just needs to take care of business against either the Pacers or Pistons — two teams that have been trying to lose for the last month. C’mon Philly, get it done.

If they beat both of those teams and Milwaukee and Boston stumble to close out the season, the Sixers could climb all the way up to the two-seed. Just so little breathing room between the 2-4 seeds in the East with a few days left in the season.

Statistics

Player	Result	Points	FG(3PA)	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks	Turnovers	Minutes	+/-
Malik Monk (LAL)	128-112 L @ GSW	24	8-17 (3-9)	7	4	1	2	4	37	-6
Tyrese Maxey (PHI)	119-114 L @ TOR	22	7-11 (4-5)	3	4	2	1	2	36	-3
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)	127-121 W vs. SAS	21	7-18 (4-7)	13	3	0	0	2	32	+7
Keldon Johnson (SAS)	127-121 L @ MIN	20	7-15 (2-6)	6	5	1	1	1	33	-8
PJ Washington (CHA)	128-101 W vs. ORL	10	4-7 (1-2)	6	2	1	2	3	33	+16
Jarred Vanderbilt (MIN)	127-121 W vs. SAS	6	2-3 (0-0)	9	1	3	0	0	32	+10
Wenyen Gabriel (LAL)	128-112 L @ GSW	6	2-3 (0-0)	3	0	0	0	3	20	-11
DeMarcus Cousins (DEN)	122-109 W vs. MEM	1	0-1 (0-1)	0	0	0	0	0	3	-12
Nick Richards (CHA)	128-101 W vs. ORL	0	0-1 (0-0)	2	0	0	0	0	4	+5

Today in the NBA

7:00 p.m. (NBATV) Bucks @ Pistons (Diallo)

7:00 p.m. Knicks (Quickley, Noel*, Randle*) @ Wizards

7:30 p.m. Cavaliers (Rondo*) @ Nets

7:30 p.m. Rockets @ Raptors

8:00 p.m. Hawks (Knox) @ Heat (Herro, Adebayo)

8:00 p.m. Hornets (Washington, Richards) @ Bulls

8:30 p.m. Trail Blazers (Bledsoe*) @ Mavericks (Knight)

9:30 p.m. (NBATV) Suns (Booker) @ Jazz

10:30 p.m. Thunder (Gilgeous-Alexander*) @ Lakers (Monk, Gabriel, Davis*)