The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: 2017-18 Northwest Division Comparison – January

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 30, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 30, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 31: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 31, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 31: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 31, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves

Current Record: 23-14

Standings: 1st in Division, 4th in Conference

Quite frankly, the Minnesota Timberwolves had a relatively easy schedule in December, especially compared to what Utah and Portland had to go through. And although they lost some games that they are probably pretty upset about, overall they took care of business going 10-5 during the month.

It was their highest win percentage of any month of the season so far and the fact that they’re the only team in the division that has yet to post a sub-.500 record for a month has given them some nice separation in the standings. While there’s a logjam at the fifth through seventh spot in the West, the T-Wolves enjoy a nice three-game lead over the OKC Thunder for fourth in the conference.

However, that’s a lead they may not be able to hold on to for long as the month of January takes a much tougher turn for Minnesota. They’ll have to take on the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors (twice), not to mention some tough divisional opponents.

Despite continually racking up wins, the Wolves have seemed highly inconsistent and somewhat unreliable all season long. Therefore, the tougher slate in January will be an excellent chance for them to prove whether they’re a real threat in the West or merely a pretender. Their record and fourth place spot looks nice for now, but they’ll have their work cut out for them if they hope to defend it, particularly against a surging Oklahoma City team.

If I had to take a guess, I would say that the up and down Timberwolves will no longer find themselves atop the division once February rolls around.

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