Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) dribbles in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) keeps the ball from San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) and guard Stephon Castle (5) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) looks on in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

May 4, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) and forward Julius Randle (30) block out San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Sep 29, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly speaks to the media during media day at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Connelly is only under contract for one more season, meaning the Wolves need to lock him in to maintain the cohesion that owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez value.

Jan 17, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks up the court in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Victor Wembanyama and the young San Antonio Spurs might look like a unicorn contender. History says they're headed for the Lumps of Destiny.

Jan 27, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

The conference semifinals get started with Game 1 between the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs and the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, which means it's time to reveal staff predictions for the best-of-seven series.

Nov 30, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates his basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Edwards could make a shockingly fast return from a scary knee injury that he suffered on April 25.

A screenshot from the end of the latest episode on Anthony Edwards' YouTube channel.

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Can Anthony Edwards make it back before the end of the week? It seems like a real possibility.

Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

If the Bulls find their GM and head coach in Minnesota, it could give them an edge if Ayo Dosunmu reaches free agency.

Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch talks during a press conference before game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Break out the "I took that personally" memes, because Chris Finch went full Michael Jordan-level petty over Denver allegedly choosing to play Minnesota over Houston.

Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Minnesota stunned the Nuggets in Game 6, clinching the series to advance to the conference semifinals against the Spurs.

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) looks to drive to the basket against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Minnesota might have to play only seven guys unless they want to reach deep into the bench in Game 6.

Feb 1, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is interviewed by Scott Hastings of Altitude Sports following the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Shock-jocks have been stirring the pot for ages, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that a group of Denver sports radio broadcasters was droning on and on about how Minnesota is the "Land of 10,000 Losers."

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Jaden McDaniels (3) help up forward Julius Randle (30) after a foul by the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

As long as the stars star and the Wolves fix the turnover problem, they'll have a great chance to close out the Nuggets in Game 6.

Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) guards in the third quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves News

If the Wolves are right that Game 5 was self-inflicted, that should be a warning sign for Denver.