NBA: Timberwolves eager to reclaim momentum against ailing Mavs

Anthony Edwards is excited to bring his NBA All-Star Game MVP trophy back to Minnesota.

Timberwolves fans will welcome Edwards and his teammates when they face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night in Minneapolis. It is the first game since the All-Star break for both teams, who are moving in different directions as the postseason approaches.

Edwards hopes that more trophies will follow—especially team trophies.

“It means a lot,” Edwards said. “I love Minnesota, and I know Minnesota loves me. I said I wasn't going to put on a show for them, but I gave them a show. Appreciate y'all, Minnesota.”

Minnesota won two straight games before the break and holds the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. Before NBA action resumed Thursday night, only 1½ games separated the Timberwolves from third-place Denver in the playoff race.

The Timberwolves also brought back a familiar face to boost their bench depth. Veteran guard Mike Conley re-signed with Minnesota during the break and rejoined the team for practice Thursday.

Conley averaged 4.4 points and 2.9 assists in 44 games (nine starts) with the Timberwolves earlier this season. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 3 and then immediately sent to the Charlotte Hornets, where he did not play. The Hornets later bought out his contract, allowing Minnesota to bring him back.

Coach Chris Finch said he would keep an open mind about when and how to use Conley in the rotation. Ayo Dosunmu, acquired in the Feb. 3 trade with the Bulls, has averaged 14.7 points and 28 minutes per game and developed chemistry with Bones Hyland.

“I think everything is on the table right now,” Finch said. “We've got some things to work through. Those two guys, Ayo and Bones, have been great, no doubt about it. They're a nice little combination, too. We've just got to take it day by day. … We don't have anything pre-scripted.”

While the Timberwolves aim to build momentum, the Mavericks are focused on preparing for next season.

Dallas arrives in Minnesota on a nine-game losing streak, still looking for its first win since Jan. 22.

Rookie Cooper Flagg has been a bright spot for Dallas, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 49 starts. However, a foot sprain forced him to miss the All-Star break, and he will not play Friday.

Kyrie Irving will also be out for the remainder of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL.

“This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one,” Irving said in a statement. “I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.”

This is the third of four meetings between the teams this season. Minnesota won the first two matchups, 120-96 on Nov. 17 and 118-105 on Jan. 28.

—Field Level Media/Reuters