As of Friday, December 13, 2024, Minnesota’s professional sports teams are navigating pivotal moments across football, basketball, hockey, and baseball. Here’s a detailed overview of the latest developments and what to anticipate this weekend:
Minnesota Vikings (NFL):
- Recent Performance: The Vikings have been on a remarkable run, securing their sixth consecutive win with a commanding 42-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Sam Darnold showcased exceptional skill, throwing for 347 yards and five touchdowns, underscoring his resurgence this season. The Wall Street Journal
- Playoff Outlook: Holding an 11-2 record, the Vikings are on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth. They can secure their spot in Week 15 through several scenarios: a win on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, or losses by either the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday or the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. SB Nation
- Upcoming Game: The Vikings are set to host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Their previous encounter was a thrilling overtime game, with the Vikings edging out a 30-27 win. Both teams are dealing with injuries, and the Vikings have adjusted their practice schedule to walk-throughs to maintain player freshness. Windy City Gridiron
Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA):
- Recent Developments: The Timberwolves have experienced a mix of outcomes recently. Notably, All-Star guard Anthony Edwards was fined $25,000 by the NBA for using profane language during a media interview. Despite this, Edwards has been delivering strong performances on the court, averaging a career-best 26.4 points per game. Reuters
- Ownership Update: The team’s ownership situation is under arbitration, with a hearing scheduled for January. The sale to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez faced challenges due to alleged missed payment deadlines, leading to the current dispute. Reuters
- Upcoming Game: The Timberwolves are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Lakers have been struggling, losing seven of their last ten games, while the Timberwolves aim to capitalize on their opponent’s downturn. NBA
Minnesota Wild (NHL):
- Recent Performance: The Wild faced a challenging game against the Edmonton Oilers, suffering a 7-1 defeat. Leon Draisaitl led the Oilers with a goal and three assists, marking the Wild’s loss in the opening game of a five-game homestand.