Williams returns to starting: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams was back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Clippers, and with Kevin Love going down with what looked like a serious head injury on Wednesday, it could be a permanent move for Williams. Williams struggled mightily on Thursday, scoring just four points on 1 of 7 shooting from the field, while adding five rebounds and two blocks on Thursday, as the Wolves fell, 95-82. (Updated 04/13/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/22/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Williams did not take advantage of the starting opportunity on Thursday, however with Love out and the Wolves chances for the playoffs ending with the loss, they may decide to just ride out the season with Williams as the starter. The Wolves have just six games remaining on the schedule, so Williams won’t have many opportunities to produce, however he is a viable starting Fantasy option if he is getting starter’s minutes. (Updated 04/13/2012).
04/02/2012 10:12 Week 15 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
J.J. Hickson has never really delivered on his potential, in part due to him being a defensive liability. However, as our Chris Towers writes, his could provide an offensive spark for both the Blazers and owners.
04/02/2012 00:04 Trail Blazers 119, Timberwolves 106
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points in his return after missing one game with a sore left elbow, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 119-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
03/27/2012 22:45 Grizzlies drop Wolves without Gasol
Rudy Gay scored 21 points, Dante Cunningham added season highs of 13 points and 14 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 93-86 on Tuesday night.
03/20/2012 01:43 Love carries Timberwolves over Warriors
Kevin Love banked in a 16-foot jumper with 4 minutes left, then added an insurance tip-in off a miss by J.J. Barea to help the Minnesota Timberwolves keep their dimming playoff hopes alive with a 97-93 win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Derrick Williams was taken No. 2 overall in the NBA Draft by the Timberwolves this offseason and is expected to make an immediate impact in Minnesota. While the T-Wolves will likely have to go with a smaller lineup to accommodate the former Arizona Wildcat, his scoring and athletic ability will be well worth it. He is expected to compete with Wesley Johnson, Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph for playing time at the forward spot. The 19-year-old averaged 19.5 points with 8.3 rebounds in his sophomore season at Arizona while shooting 59 percent from the field. He also shot 56 percent from beyond the arc, which will help him out early in his career. Fantasy owners know to temper their expectations with rookies, especially tweeners like Williams, but the upside is huge. He should be considered a No. 4 Fantasy forward in standard leagues, and he's worth drafting with a late-round pick. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Williams can be drafted with a mid-round selection, and he should be considered a Top 5 option in rookie-only formats. (Updated 8/29/11)
