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Timberwolves Enter Season Underdogs In Many Ways

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Timberwolves have about two weeks before the regular season starts and the games start counting for real.

The Timberwolves, coming off a 40-42 season and trading All-Star power forward Kevin Love, open the regular season at Memphis on Oct. 29. The next night, they host Detroit in their home opener at Target Center. The start of the season brings out many predictions and educated guesses as to what will happen over the course of the season.

The Las Vegas casinos make money off those prognostications, setting odds for certain things gamblers can't help but wager on. Here's a few odds from the sports book at the Bovada with the Timberwolves involved.

Odds To Win NBA Title? Timberwolves at 85/1

The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely on the outside looking in when it comes to their playoff chances. With new faces in Zach LaVine, Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young, it will take time for them to mesh both together and with the rest of the team. The Western Conference is incredibly tough with the competition including defending champion San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Portland, the L.A. Lakers and Clippers, Golden State, Dallas and Memphis. The Timberwolves are also a long shot at 85-1 to win an NBA title. They'll have to get off to a fast start and build momentum throughout the season to have a chance. If they reach the playoffs, anything is possible.

Odds To Win NBA MVP? Andrew Wiggins At 100/1

The Timberwolves traded Kevin Love in the offseason to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, who is by all accounts a potential superstar in the NBA. But will it happen right away? Wiggins currently has 100/1 odds to win it, and if he does it's a good thing for the Timberwolves. It means they've had a great season. In contrast, Love has 35/1 odds but would have to beat out teammate LeBron James, who is the favorite at 5/6 odds.

Odds To Win Rookie Of The Year? Wiggins At 15/4

Andrew Wiggins is not the favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but he has as good a chance as anyone if he gets off to a good start, plays consistent and stays healthy. He has 15/4 odds to be the NBA's top rookie, and only Jabari Parker with the Milwaukee Bucks has better odds at 5/2. The Timberwolves' other rookie, Zach LaVine, must be considered a long shot as he was not given odds.

Odds For Coach Of The Year? Flip Saunders At 100/1

According to Bovada odds, Flip Saunders is among the least likely to take home NBA Coach of the Year honors this season. He's currently at 100/1 odds. Gregg Popovich with San Antonio is the favorite at 3/1 as the Spurs aim for their second straight title. With his new talent in Cleveland, David Blatt has 9/2 odds.

Odds For Assists Per Game? Ricky Rubio At 14/1

Point guard Ricky Rubio has a chance to the lead the NBA in assists per game this season, but he'll have to beat out some great talent to do so. He's currently at 14/1 odds, with Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and John Wall favored ahead of him. Paul is the favorite at 2/3 odds.

While it will take time for the Timberwolves to gel this season, they should be fun to watch.

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