Ranking the Timberwolves' 5 toughest remaining January games

Timberwolves play 10 of 17 January games on the road.

The New Year's Day matinee at Madison Square Garden was a difficult start to January as the Minnesota Timberwolves got off to a rough start with a 112-106 loss to the New York Knicks. 

It was the first of 10 road games this month as Minnesota plays just seven games on its home court, serving as the latest challenge for a Timberwolves (24-8) team that is No. 1 in the Western Conference despite a persistent case of the turnovers of lethargy virus that flared up during the second and third quarters Monday in New York. 

If the Timberwolves can play a more consistent brand of basketball, they have the talent to win against any team, anywhere. That'll be important in these five tough matchups this month. 

5. at Houston Rockets, Jan. 5

Don't scoff at this selection. Houston is 13-5 at home with wins over the Denver Nuggets (twice), Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings (twice). Not only that, but they're one of only three teams (joining the Timberwolves and Nuggets) in the NBA allowing under 110 points per game. Couple their defensive acumen with Minnesota's offensive struggles and this has all the makings for a difficult matchup. 

4. at Dallas Mavericks, Jan. 7

This will be a different Mavericks team than the one Minnesota has beaten twice this season. In the first win, the Mavericks didn't have Kyrie Irving and in Minnesota's victory in Minneapolis last week the Mavericks were without Irving and Luka Doncic. Both Doncic and Irving should be in the lineup for the third meeting of the season. 

3. at Orlando Magic, Jan. 9

The Magic (19-13) are quietly the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and boast an impressive 12-4 record at home. Minnesota might be catching the Magic at a good time, however, as they've gone 3-6 in their last nine. The six losses are to NBA powers Boston (twice), Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Phoenix. 

2. at Oklahoma City Thunder, Jan. 29

The last time Minnesota went to OKC, it got thumped 129-106. The Thunder have arguably the best guard in the league in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a tough defender in Lou Dort and the potential rookie of the year in Minnesota native Chet Holmgren. 

1. at Boston Celtics, Jan. 10

At 26-6, Boston is the best team in the NBA and is a perfect 16-0 at home. Making this task even more challenging is that it'll be the third game in four nights for Minnesota and the second half of a back to back. 

Jordan McLaughlin may be forcing his way to more minutes