Minnesota can exploit Utah’s 1-8 start despite Edwards’ absence

Minnesota enters Sunday at 7-3 and No. 3 in the power index, while Utah is 1-8 and ranked 30th. The Timberwolves average 118.4 points and allow 107.7 per game; Utah scores 106.9 and gives up 118.2, making Minnesota’s ability to keep its offense humming without injured Anthony Edwards a central question. Utah’s Keyonte George has 192 points and 56 assists in nine games, but also 35 turnovers; LaMelo Ball has 177 points and 61 assists for Minnesota, with 39 turnovers in 10 games. If Ball limits giveaways and Minnesota turns its scoring and defensive advantages into control of the game, the Jazz will need George—and potentially a healthy Lauri Markkanen, who is questionable—to keep pace.