10 best players in Timberwolves-Mavericks 2024 Western Conference finals matchup ft. Anthony Edwards
The 2024 Western Conference finals is set, with the third-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks, beginning with Wednesday's Game 1 clash in Minneapolis.
The matchup features two of the league's brightest young superstars, Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards and Mavericks guard Luka Doncic. Both will attempt to make their first NBA Finals appearances, with Minnesota also looking to secure its first finals berth in franchise history.
Each team has considerable depth and star power. However, amid their elite season-long defensive prowess, the Timberwolves are slightly favored (-158 odds on FanDuel) entering the series.
On that note, here are Minnesota and Dallas' 10 best players ahead of their West finals showdown.
Top 10 players in Timberwolves-Mavericks 2024 Western Conference finals series
#10 Derrick Jones Jr.
Perhaps the biggest steal of 2023 NBA free agency, Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. continues to defy expectations as a minimum contract player (one-year, $2.7 million). The 27-year-old defensive journeyman has consistently guarded opposing teams' top players while serving as an athletic lob threat and floor spacer.
Jones has become one of Dallas' most indispensable two-way players and its best bet of slowing down Anthony Edwards.
#9 P.J. Washington
Forward P.J. Washington has impacted Dallas significantly since being acquired at this year's trade deadline. The 25-year-old has established himself as the Mavericks' No. 3 scoring option (14.3 points per game through 12 playoff outings), consistently knocking down big shots. Washington has also provided serviceable rebounding and defense.
#8 Naz Reid
This year's Sixth Man of the Year, Timberwolves big man Naz Reid has been one of the league's most productive bench scorers all year. The 24-year-old's guard-like skillset at the center position offers Minnesota an extra offensive dynamic off the bench. Reid's presence also allows the Timberwolves to keep a high-level big man on the floor at all times.
#7 Mike Conley
A savvy veteran point guard, Mike Conley has provided Minnesota with a stabilizing presence since being acquired at last year's trade deadline. The 36-year-old offers the Timberwolves invaluable poise, playmaking and spacing, helping them maximize their offensive production.
#6 Jaden McDaniels
Arguably the top wing defender remaining in the playoffs, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels' stock continues to rise. The 23-year-old has proven to be one of the NBA's preeminent 3-and-D players and will likely make Luka Doncic's life difficult in the West finals.
#5 Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert has long been one of the NBA's most scrutinized stars, with many questioning his winning impact. Nonetheless, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is the best interior defender and rebounder left in the postseason.
Gobert's inside presence should pose problems for Dallas' big men and make it difficult for its star guards to finish at the rim.
#4 Karl-Anthony Towns
Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns has showcased his value as a floor spacer, complementary scorer and rebounder in the playoffs. The four-time All-Star’s offensive production played a key role in Minnesota mustering up enough firepower to dispatch the defending champion Denver Nuggets in Round 2.
#3 Kyrie Irving
Arguably the best No. 2 scoring option left in the playoffs, Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving remains one of the NBA's craftiest and clutchest players. The eight-time All-Star will likely need to elevate his offensive production further in the West finals to help Dallas overcome Minnesota's suffocating defense.
#2 Anthony Edwards
Between his athleticism, shot creation and long-distance shooting, Anthony Edwards continues to establish himself as one of the NBA's most lethal wing scorers. Meanwhile, the two-time All-Star has held his own defensively in the postseason.
If Edwards can lead Minnesota to the finals at age 22, he will likely garner increased consideration as the league's next face.
#1 Luka Doncic
Injuries have seemingly hampered Luka Doncic throughout the playoffs, resulting in him statistically having the worst postseason run of his career. Nonetheless, the five-time All-Star is the best all-around player remaining in the playoffs.
Doncic's size, scoring and playmaking should give Minnesota's dominant defense all it can handle in Round 3.
Also Read: 2024 NBA Finals odds for all 4 teams: Pacers, Timberwolves, Mavericks & Celtics chances explored