The Wolves’ current roster presents some serious challenges for any coach. McHale had to know he was playing with fire by obtaining Latrell Sprewell, and it’s coming back to burn him. Sprewell has become an aging two guard who can’t feed his family on $14+ million a year. Sam Cassell was brilliant last year but is suddenly an aging point guard, and he followed Spree’s opening with his own contract demands. Then there’s Michael Olowokandi, who must have finally realized his NBA gravy train is parked on a side track, given his recent auditions as a closing time nightclub act and a boxer. McHale made this bed, and he has less than two weeks to extricate himself before trade deadline. All three players need to go, but with contract and cap issues, can you move them, and what can you get in return to salvage Wolves’ season? McHale’s cell phone better be charged, with extra batteries in his pocket, because this task is going to require a lot of talking, much of it from sides of his mouth. The best guess is McHale probably can’t make kind of changes needed by trade deadline to right Timberwolves. He no doubt realized this, and figures his best chance is to try and coach a turn around with talent he has.

Which brings us to McHale’s ace in hole, MVP Kevin Garnett. The Wolves are often referred to as “Kevin’s Team”, and many are quick to cite what a great leader he is. Garnett may be best all around basketball player on planet, but great leaders don’t ever let their teams implode. Saunders let KG run show, which lately has meant far too many no and one pass possessions. Maybe Garnett has lost confidence in his teammates abilities, or maybe he is just playing for his own stats. If McHale can get Garnett on his page, both on floor and in locker room, Wolves have a chance to make playoffs, perhaps a draw with San Antonio in first round instead of conference finals.

That’s a long way from lofty expectations, and probably means Timberwolves will have a chance to warm up quickly - on golf course.

Points: Nuggets 3, T-Wolves 2, Lakers 1

Coaching: Who’s Frank Hamblen? He’s not Rudy T. He’s not Coach K. He’s not Phil Jackson. In sum, he’s probably not good enough.

Kevin McHale probably shouldn’t have pulled plug so soon on Flip Saunders. Saunders was a great coach, and a playoff upset this year would have re-invigorated his team. Now, McHale’s got himself on bench. Let’s consider other 1980s Celtics as coaches --- ML Carr, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird. Moderate successes, yes, but are any still coaching? There’s a reason why… eventually, they all underachieved. Putting an underachiever with a group of underachievers probably isn’t best mix…

George Karl is a savvy veteran coach. You can say all you want about his conspicuous lack of jewelry, but he’s won 60 games twice. The Nuggets have never won 60 games. The Nuggets have been on fire since he got job from Michael Cooper by way of Jeff Bzedlik, recently winning six in a row. ‘Melo’s game is more diverse, more guys are getting quality minutes, and team seems to play with a confidence and unity previously lacking. Karl was right addition here, even counting rumors that he might be looking to ship Anthony away for his fear of playing tight defense.

Points: Nuggets 3, T-Wolves 2, Lakers 1

Remaining Schedule:

The Lakers, who are 20-11 at Staples Center, play only 10 of their remaining 23 games at home. In addition, they go on a road trip next week which features games at Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia, Miami, and Indiana. They end season with relative cream puffs Golden State and Portland, but play three consecutive games right before that against Phoenix, Sacramento, and Dallas. All of those games are at home, but are still tough draws.

The Timberwolves, only 17-14 at home this year, play only 9 of their remaining games at Target Center, and their last two home games are against Seattle (on pace for 59 wins) and San Antonio (on pace to win West). In addition, they have road games at Phoenix, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Dallas sprinkled throughout their final month and a half.

The Nuggets are 18-9 at Pepsi Center this year, and play 14 of their final 23 contests at home. In final month, they do travel to Minneapolis, but they also get 2 games against Hornets --- worst team in league --- and also play Portland and Golden State, both in Mile High City. The Nuggets also draw Grizzlies twice in final three weeks. While Grizz are playoff-bound themselves, it’s a favorable match-up for a streaking Denver squad.

Points: Nuggets 3, Lakers 2, Timberwolves 1

Intangibles Kobe needs to reach playoffs as a No. 8 seed, score 50 points every night, and off No. 1 team in West. In some ways, it would help restore his credibility and erase notions he can’t do it without Shaq. Also, it might help Frank Hamblen not become an assistant again next year.

The Timberwolves need to prove their 2003-2004 campaign was no joke, and some of their contract year players could benefit from extra playing time and bigger stage of playoffs.

The Nuggets are young, and aren’t expected to do much besides make playoffs. They have a determined team and a determined coach, but aside from Anthony keeping pace with LeBron (who’s probably going to make playoffs this year), team doesn’t have a ton to prove right now.

Points: Lakers 3, Timberwolves 2, Nuggets 1

The Final Score: Nuggets 10, Timberwolves 7, Lakers 7

Karl’s bunch is streaking, all right --- straight into a first-round date with best of West.