The Phoenix Suns play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center on Friday.

The Timberwolves (53-23) appeared to have lost their grip on the top seed in the Western Conference when Karl-Anthony Towns got injured, but this team had other ideas. Minnesota comes into this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games, sitting 0,.5 games above the Denver Nuggets for first place. For the Timberwolves to be in this position is already an astounding achievement, and it's scary how much Anthony Edwards is growing every time he steps on the floor. The All-Star is averaging 26 points per game and is just scratching the surface of what he could become. There's also some thought KAT will return early in the postseason and that would really make this club a true contender.

The Suns (45-31) come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games. This team is doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting sixth in the Western Conference. While that is the sweet spot, the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are all within 1.5 games behind them. That means anything can happen over the closing 10 days, making this matchup with Minnesota one of the most important of the season. It's also possible this is a first-round matchup, and Phoenix feels like they pair up well with the T'Wolves. Having a core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal will make them viable against anyone, and it's a team no one wants to face in the fast-approaching postseason.

These teams played back in November, with Phoenix prevailing, 133-115. They have won eight of their last nine games over Minnesota in total.