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Timberwolves' LaMelo Ball: Struggles with turnovers in OT loss
Rotowire
Ball finished with 11 points (5-11 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six assists and a steal across 31 minutes in Monday's 127-125 overtime loss to the Cavaliers.
Ball endured a difficult offensive performance, connecting on just one of six three-point attempts while committing seven turnovers. His six assists provided some fantasy value, but he failed to collect a rebound and saw Anthony Edwards dominate Minnesota's scoring opportunities. Ball's playmaking role remains secure, although his efficiency and turnover issues could limit his consistency alongside Edwards. He's failed to shoot over 42 percent from the floor in three of his first four appearances this season.
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Timberwolves' LaMelo Ball: Flirts with double-double
Rotowire
Ball chipped in 15 points (5-8 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), one rebound, eight assists and two steals across 17 minutes during Sunday's 117-94 victory over Toronto.
Ball batted through foul trouble, limiting him to just 17 minutes. However, during his time on the floor, he looked fantastic, continuing what has been a strong start to his career in Minnesota. In three appearances, he has averaged 16.0 points, 6.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.7 three-pointers in just 22.8 minutes per game. Assuming he averages close to 30 minutes per game moving forward, there is no reason he can't be a steady top 30 standard league asset.
Timberwolves' LaMelo Ball: Strong debut with Timberwolves
Rotowire
Ball contributed 21 points (7-17 FG, 5-13 3Pt, 2-3 FT), two rebounds, six assists and two steals across 29 minutes in Wednesday's 131-106 win over the Heat.
Ball made an immediate impact in his Minnesota debut, finishing second on the team in scoring while sharing backcourt responsibilities with Anthony Edwards, who led the way with an impressive 45-point performance. His 13 three-point attempts suggest he'll retain considerable offensive freedom despite playing alongside another high-volume scorer. Ball's six assists and just one turnover were also encouraging, although his long-term fantasy ceiling will depend on how consistently he handles playmaking duties in his new surroundings. One game isn't enough to draw meaningful conclusions, but this was certainly an encouraging start to life in Minnesota for Ball.
Timberwolves' LaMelo Ball: Expected to play Wednesday
Rotowire
Ball (rest) is expected to suit up for Wednesday's regular-season opener against Miami.
Ball was one of many Timberwolves regulars who sat out Friday's preseason finale, though he should make his regular-season debut with the team Wednesday. The star point guard averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game across four appearances this preseason.
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Timberwolves' LaMelo Ball: Resting for preseason finale
Rotowire
Ball (rest) won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Bulls, Chuck Swirsky of the Bulls Radio Network reports.
Ball, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Ayo Dosunmu will all sit for the final exhibition. Ball should be good to go for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Heat.
Ball recorded three points (1-5 FG, 1-4 3Pt), two rebounds and six assists across 18 minutes in Wednesday's 128-106 preseason loss to Detroit.
Ball struggled to generate offense for himself, making just one field goal and committing three turnovers. However, he continued to facilitate for his teammates, leading Minnesota's starters with six assists despite the limited playing time. The Timberwolves will look for greater scoring efficiency from their new point guard as he develops chemistry with Anthony Edwards and the rest of the starting unit.
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