By the time they host Boston at Target Center Thursday, the Wolves will have had five off days.
In the NBA, five days between games — when an All-Star Game is not involved — is almost unheard of.
But it was needed.
The Wolves had lost two games on the road in Portland and Utah, the second offering the young players an idea of what playoff-like intensity is all about, and what navigating the final 16 games without Jimmy Butler will entail. Then came two days to rest. Since then, two intense days of practice, with another coming Wednesday.