The playoffs are officially a pipe dream for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sitting 6.5 games back of the No. 8 spot with just 17 games to play, it would take a virtual miracle to a) hold off LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who currently have an identical 30-35 record, b) leap past the Sacramento Kings at No. 9, and c) overtake the San Antonio Spurs, who sit in the eighth and final playoff spot.
That said, the Wolves aren’t officially eliminated, interim head coach Ryan Saunders is coaching for a permanent job, Karl-Anthony Towns is playing for a shot at an All-NBA team and an extra $32 million over the life of his contract, and there are plenty of guys auditioning for roles next season.