Minnesota Timberwolves Face Challenging Road Games in Toronto and Boston

The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face a challenging schedule with upcoming games against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday and the Boston Celtics on Sunday. These matches hold significant historical weight for the Timberwolves due to a prolonged losing streak in both cities.

Despite their technical strengths, the upcoming games present a unique challenge rooted in history. The Timberwolves have historically struggled in Toronto and Boston, carrying a combined 36-game losing streak on visits to these cities. This streak began nearly two decades ago, with the last victories in Toronto and Boston occurring in January 2004 and March 2005, respectively, during Kevin Garnett‘s tenure with the team.

This losing streak in Toronto might appear to have been broken at first glance. The Timberwolves managed to win a road game against the Raptors in 2021. However, this game does not technically alter the streak as it took place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, where the Raptors temporarily relocated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Timberwolves’ streak of losses in Toronto remains intact.

The upcoming game against the Raptors provides Minnesota with a strong opportunity to end the streak. The Raptors are currently struggling, with a 3-12 record in the Eastern Conference. However, the Timberwolves have previously faced unexpected challenges, indicated by a loss on their opening night to a team considered an easier opponent.

In contrast, the game against the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, poses a much tougher challenge. Ending the losing streak in Boston will require the Timberwolves to overcome the formidable Boston roster.

Nevertheless, the historical context of their long-standing defeats provides additional motivation for the Timberwolves as they embark on these critical road games.