StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx, who earned a decisive victory at defending WNBA champion Las Vegas on Tuesday. With a 9-3 record and several impressive victories already this season, the Lynx look not just like a competitive team but a true contender in the WNBA. Plus the Twins got everything they could have wanted from Louie Varland's spot start, but they couldn't take advantage of it. 7:00: Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount joins the show to offer perspectives and insights into the drama with PWHL Minnesota. Barely a week after winning a championship in the league's first year, general manager Natalie Darwitz was let go in a power struggle. The fallout from that was still reverberating at the PWHL draft in St. Paul on Monday and doesn't figure to let up anytime soon. 32:00: A key injury for the Celtics and a back-and-forth recruiting battle between the Gophers and Badgers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who shut out Colorado 5-0 behind a strong outing from starting pitcher Chris Paddack to start a 10-game homestand. Paddack has been very good this season against lesser competition but not so much against elite teams. He is a symbol of this year's Twins, and a key to how things go the rest of the way. Plus the drama of the PWHL Draft in St. Paul, just days after GM Natalie Darwitz was ousted from Minnesota following their championship. 10:00: Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about the Gophers' "Summer Splash" recruiting event. P.J. Fleck is putting together a strong class of players against a backdrop of uncertainty in college sports. 26:00: A look at who the Wolves might pick in two weeks in the NBA Draft.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, but they start with a special topic of sorts: Reusse wrote recently about which of the Wolves, Twins, Wild and Vikings are most (or more aptly least) likely to win a championship before 2030, which proved to be a great jumping off point to talk about all four teams and leagues. Plus they get into the Twins snapping their five-game losing streak, Natalie Darwitz's departure from PWHL Minnesota and how Reusse never expected Caitlin Clark to be on the Olympic team in the first place.

Host Michael Rand dives into the struggles of the Twins against the AL's top teams after a loss to the Yankees dropped Minnesota to 0-14 against New York, Cleveland and Baltimore this season. It's not just one thing, but this is a big thing: the Twins were No. 2 in starting pitcher ERA last season; this year, they are No. 25. Plus Dallas is apparently not invincible after getting routed by Boston in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, while a huge name has joined the Wolves ownership pursuit. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a breakdown of Vikings minicamp. Who stood out on both sides of the ball? What is J.J. McCarthy's timeline? And what should we look for from Justin Jefferson after his huge contract was signed? 29:00: Natalie Darwitz is reportedly out as GM of PWHL Minnesota.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at Justin Jefferson's first four seasons with the Vikings and how his fifth feels like the start of a new phase of his career. The star wide receiver has a big new contract and a rookie quarterback to help bring along. Plus Rand takes note of another win for the Lynx and a milestone for Cheryl Reeve. 9:00: U.S. Senator Tina Smith joins the show as she takes up the cause for frustrated Twins fans. Smith this week wrote a letter to Comcast's top executive this week urging the cable giant to put Bally Sports North back on the air and noting that her "constituents are furious" that they haven't been able to watch the Twins for more than a month. She explains more of that frustration to Rand. 24:00: Another disappointing Twins vs. Yankees game and an NBA Finals worth watching if you're a Wolves fan.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes listeners through Tuesday's latest hearing in bankruptcy court as local teams try to learn their TV fates. It doesn't sound like Twins games will be back on Bally Sports North for Comcast subscribers anytime soon, while a six-week delay in the Diamond Sports bankruptcy process is making leagues antsy. If you couldn't watch the Twins on Tuesday, you have probably seen that game anyway. They lost 5-1 to the Yankees. 9:00: Star Tribune Lynx writer Kent Youngblood joins Rand for a breakdown of the early part of the WNBA season. The Lynx are off to a hot 6-2 start. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark is still making a lot of headlines. 30:00: Wolves President Tim Connelly adjusted his contract.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand reacts to Monday's news that the Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson have agreed on a four-year, $140 million contract. Because of how long it took to get to the finish line, all sorts of outlandish thoughts of trading Jefferson crept in. But in the end, this is what should have happened for everyone. Plus Rand looks at Twins vs. Yankees and a hearing Tuesday in bankruptcy court that is another step in untangling the fate of Minnesota teams on Bally Sports North. 12:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand to break down the end of the Wolves' season and what's ahead this offseason. With just a few weeks before the draft and free agency, Minnesota has a lot of decisions in a short amount of time. 33:00: Will Wolves assistant coach Micah Nori still be here next year?

Introduction: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. The Twins continued their impressive play of late, defeating Houston 4-3 on Sunday to win the series. With Jose Miranda providing the winning hit and swinging a hot bat lately and Royce Lewis set to return from his early injury, the slumping Edouard Julien is the odd man out being sent to Class AAA St. Paul. Reusse wonders who will play second base and who might be the next starting pitcher to get a callup. Plus a look at a fascinating offseason for the Wolves after their strong playoff run. Will the Wolves essentially run it back with all their key players, or is a major trade part of the plan? Reusse knows one thing: It doesn't matter what the Wolves say, only what they do. And the Lynx continued a strong start with another win Sunday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand goes deep breaking down Minnesota's humbling Game 5 loss to Dallas at Target Center, which ended the Western Conference finals. The Wolves came up short in their bid to win a championship but took a major step forward this year. How will they navigate the offseason and what lessons did they learn in a joyous season this year? 18:00: Jon Marthaler joins the show for some Minnesota United talk, including the big news that Emanuel Reynoso has been transferred away from the club. Can the Loons continue to thrive in his absence? 35:00: What should we focus on now that the Wolves season is over?

Introduction: Playing off of a near-perfect Game 5 performance by Minnesota on Wednesday to win the PWHL championship, host Michael Rand asks whether recent events are evidence enough that any sort of sports curse in this state has been lifted. At the very least, let's give praise to PWHL Minnesota's resilience and 3-0 victory over Boston, while also wondering if the Wolves can follow suit. 9:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand to set up another critical Game 5, this time Thursday at Target Center. Minnesota is trying to come all the way back from a 3-0 series hole, something that has never been done in the NBA. 31:00: A guard coming back to the Vikings, and a guard for sure leaving the Gophers.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand to break down the Wolves' big Game 4 win in Dallas. After falling into an 0-3 series hole, the Wolves found a way behind Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns to pull out a 105-100 win and send the series back to Target Center for Game 5. Can they overcome history and rally all the way back? What was different about Tuesday's game? 25:00: Rand finishes with talk of PWHL Minnesota's opportunity Wednesday night to still win a championship even after Game 4 heartache, plus the Twins keep rolling.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the long weekend in sports, which of course begins with the precarious position the Timberwolves now find themselves in. Down 3-0 to Dallas in their best-of-seven Western Conference finals after three clutch time meltdowns, the Wolves must now make history to advance to the finals. Can they start their climb back with a win Tuesday, or is this the end of a very good season? Plus Rand and Reusse get into the suddenly rejuvenated Twins, the heartbreak for PWHL Minnesota, the death of Bill Walton and the excellence of the Lynx so far.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand after a gut punch 109-108 Timberwolves loss to Dallas in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. Luka Doncic hit a go-ahead three in the closing seconds, while Naz Reid's attempt at the buzzer rimmed out on a night when the Wolves led most of the way. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns shot just 9 for 33 combined in the game. Edwards' indecisiveness and poor decision-making led to two turnovers in the final minute, while Towns sat on the bench for most of the fourth quarter as the Wolves tried to ride Reid's hot hand. Questionable coaching decisions and poor adjustments also told the story on a frustrating night that left the Wolves in an 0-2 hole heading to Dallas for Sunday's Game 3.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of Chris Finch sending a message to his players after a disappointing Game 1 loss in the Western Conference finals. The Wolves coach wasn't happy with the effort or results in a 108-105 defeat and let them know about it in a film session ahead of Friday's Game 2 against Dallas. Plus the Lynx lost for the first time this season, but the process remains good. 10:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand to break down a strange season so far for the Twins. They've either been ice cold or red hot, particularly at the plate, and we'll see if they are the start of another hot streak as they come home to play Texas on Friday. 33:00: An opportunity for PWHL Minnesota on a busy night of sports.

Introduction: On Thursday's regular episode after a late night bonus episode on the Wolves, host Michael Rand starts with the Twins and a two-game winning streak to wash away the taste of seven straight losses. Plus Rand has leftover thoughts on the Timberwolves and the test they haven't yet passed this postseason. 13:00: Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount joins the show to talk about PWHL Minnesota, which is tied 1-1 with Boston in the league finals. The series shifts to Xcel Energy Center on Friday for Game 3. Can Minnesota continue its playoff run, which took a dramatic turn in the middle of last series? 30:00: Caitlin Clark's rude introduction to the WNBA.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand after the Timberwolves' 108-105 loss to the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Minnesota's stars were outplayed by Dallas' stars, especially in a critical fourth quarter when Luka Doncic took over on both ends of the court. Can the Wolves find more energy and better execution in Friday's Game 2 at Target Center? And can they find a way to get Anthony Edwards back on track?

Introduction: Don't mess with a winning streak, and definitely don't tolerate a losing streak. After the Twins scored just 12 runs during a seven-game losing skid, they ordered the return of their smoked meat talisman. The Rally Sausage arrived at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Washington, and a few hours later Minnesota demolished the Nationals 10-0. Coincidence? Only if you've never played sports. Plus Rand talks about PWHL Minnesota's playoff win Tuesday and an underwhelming Eastern Conference finals Game 1. 11:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand ahead of Wednesday's Game 1 against Dallas at Target Center. What will it take to beat the red-hot Mavericks? Can the Wolves handle being the favored team? And is this really happening? 39:00: Draymond Green at Target Center? And Sam Darnold on J.J. McCarthy.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Twins, who were hammered again Monday. They've lost seven straight and have been outscored 45-12 in that span -- all of it coming immediately after they had won 17 of their previous 20 games. Jhoan Duran is frustrated. Rocco Baldelli is frustrated. A players-only meeting was held. What's going on here? 11:00: Star Tribune writer, editor and unabashed Wolves fan Jeff Day joins Rand to shine a light on the joy this fan base is experiencing right now. Sunday's Game 7 comeback is giving way to a new level of belief heading into the Western Conference finals. 42:00: Boston vs. Indiana starts tonight, and Boston vs. PWHL Minnesota continues tonight.

Introduction: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a breakdown of the Wolves' historic Game 7 comeback win over Denver. Trailing by 15 at halftime and 20 in the third quarter, the Wolves stormed back for a 98-90 victory. The heroes and big plays piled up as Minnesota advanced to the conference finals for the second time in franchise history -- on the 20th anniversary of the first time they clinched a trip. Now the Wolves will have the home court advantage against No. 5 seed Dallas, which is on its own run behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Can Minnesota reach the NBA Finals for the first time? Plus Reusse and Rand get into PWHL Minnesota and the suddenly slumping Twins. And a Reusse playoff hockey rant comes at you fast out of nowhere.

On a special bonus edition of Daily Delivery, Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine reports from Denver and checks in with host Michael Rand to set the stage for Sunday's huge Game 7 between the Wolves and Nuggets. A series that has already seen three blowouts -- including a 115-70 Wolves rout in Game 6 at Target Center -- is undeniably hard to predict. But Hine and Rand will examine some of the keys to the game as well as what adjustments both teams might try to make. The game comes 20 years to the day after the Wolves defeated the Kings in the only other Game 7 in franchise history. Will Anthony Edwards be ready for his Kevin Garnett moment?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' Game 6 rout of the Nuggets, another twist in a strange series that now leads to a deciding Game 7 in Denver on Sunday. The final score was 115-70, with the Wolves taking control early after a sluggish start. That deciding game, by the way, will come 20 years to the day after the only other Game 7 in franchise history: Wolves 83, Kings 80 in the Western Conference semifinals. 16:00: Kent Youngblood joins Rand ahead of Friday's Lynx home opener to talk about offseason additions already paying dividends for Minnesota and a surge in league popularity fueled in part by rookie Caitlin Clark. 38:00: PWHL Minnesota has a winner-take-all game Friday, while the Twins didn't score in 26 straight innings against the Yankees.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a trio of games, beginning with PWHL Minnesota coming back from the brink of elimination to win its second straight playoff game against Toronto. After another shutout from Maddie Rooney, this one in a 1-0 double overtime win at Xcel Energy Center, the series is headed back to Toronto for a winner-takes-all Game 5. Plus a good draw for Minnesota United and another silent night for the Twins bats after three weeks of thunder. 8:00: Star Tribune Wolves reporter Chris Hine joins Rand ahead of Thursday's huge Game 6 at Target Center. Can the Wolves reverse momentum and even their series with Denver, or will they be sent into the offseason after a fourth consecutive defeat? What story lines will tell us which version of the Wolves we will see? 35:00: Who will be the QBs when the Vikings face the Falcons in December?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the latest in the dispute between Comcast and Diamond Sports, with MLB weighing in before a key bankruptcy hearing Wednesday with a motion that casts doubt on Diamond's ability to keep Bally Sports channels afloat without an agreement with Comcast. Where will things go from here? Plus the Twins lost to the Yankees and the Lynx won their opener on the road at Seattle. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to break down Minnesota's Game 5 loss at Denver, during which three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was virtually unstoppable. Can the Wolves, who are now on the brink of elimination, force a Game 7? 30:00: The Vikings will face Aaron Rodgers in London.

In a jam-packed episode, host Michael Rand starts with the NBA. If you wanted the playoffs to be easy, you came to the wrong place. The Wolves vs. Denver series was always destined to go at least six games, and now we will find out what Minnesota is made of in Tuesday's pivotal Game 5. Plus Rand looks ahead to the Lynx opener Tuesday and Twins vs. Yankees. 11:00: The Star Tribune's Randy Johnson joins the show from Georgia, where he is spending some time with Gophers transfer QB Max Brosmer. 29:00: Arena Football's Minnesota Myth lasted just two games, a reminder of how hard it can be to make it in a minor league. On the contrary, the PWHL is doing it the right way -- and Minnesota just got its first playoff win on Monday.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started, of course, with a massively disappointing set of home games for the Wolves, who came back from Denver up 2-0 in their playoff series but head back to Denver tied 2-2 after a pair of defeats at Target Center. What went wrong, and what should we expect in Game 5 Tuesday? 17:00: The Twins went 7-13 in their first 20 games and then went 17-3 in their next 20. They are just a half-game out of first place in the AL Central with the Yankees coming to town. What has sparked this turnaround -- and will fans take notice? 31:00: A proper tribute for John Anderson; will PWHL Minnesota score a goal?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at five things he got wrong about the Timberwolves over the last few years. It's a good lesson in patience that Minnesota didn't do some of the things he was advocating. Plus some things Rand got right and the Twins wrapping up a great homestand with more superb starting pitching. 13:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to talk about Ben Johnson's team and another offseason defined by the transfer portal. With losses to the core of the roster -- moves influenced by name, image and likeness rules -- how will Minnesota look next season and how are coaches expected to build teams these days? 34:00: Caitlin Clark could fill up Target Center.

On Part II of Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine break down the run Minnesota has been on in the playoffs. After sweeping the Suns, the Wolves moved on to Denver and took the first two games of that series. The most impressive feat -- winning 106-80 in Game 2 without Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert -- galvanized the Wolves and brought even more positive national attention to Minnesota. Can they sustain that in Game 3 at Target Center? And what does Denver have left in the tank?

Introduction: In part one of Thursday's huge lineup, host Michael Rand looks at what has been powering the Twins, who have won 14 of their last 16 games -- including a 6-3 win on Wednesday -- to improve to 21-15 overall and just 2.5 games back in the AL Central. A big part of it is the hitting of Ryan Jeffers, who is fourth in the majors in slugging percentage. And Chris Paddack won his fourth decision in a row in Wednesday's victory. 8:00: Bally Sports North General Manager Randy Stephens joins the show to offer BSN's perspective on the pricing dispute with Comcast that led to Bally Sports channels being removed nationwide from Comcast last week. What is Stephens' message to Twins fans, and where do we go from here? 21:00: NBA teams losing their cool.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand revisits the arc of Rudy Gobert's career. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards in Utah, then didn't even get a vote for the all-defense team last year in his first season with Minnesota. Now he's won DPOY for the fourth time, along with completely changing the defensive culture with the red-hot Wolves. Plus Jamal Murray gets hit with a $100,000 fine. 7:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand to revisit the NFL draft and how it went from both the Vikings' perspective and that of new Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. Goessling has insights into the timeline for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy as well as thoughts on what edge rusher Dallas Turner will bring to the mix. 33:00: A boring night in the lottery for the Wild, and the WNBA gets a big travel boost.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand goes deep on Monday's dominant 106-80 Timberwolves victory in Denver that gave Minnesota a commanding 2-0 lead coming back to Target Center for Friday's Game 3. The defense was suffocating even without Rudy Gobert, while the Nuggets lost their composure and seem discombobulated. This is an unfamiliar feeling for Minnesota sports fans, and the joy is contagious. 14:00: Jon Marthaler joins the show to break down Minnesota United's strong start. Whether it's tactical changes, strong defense or good vibes, something feels different about the Loons. And they're doing it without Emanuel Reynoso, who is out of sight, out of mind at the moment. Come for the soccer talk, stay for the mid-2000s Gophers basketball references. 34:00: Sorting out how Twins fans are dealing with Comcast dropping Bally Sports North.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which of course starts with the Timberwolves' impressive Game 1 conference semifinal victory over the Nuggets. Anthony Edwards was tremendous, as was the defense. It puts Denver in a must-win situation going into Game 2 on Monday. Reusse and Rand also get into the Twins' 12-game winning streak, which ended Sunday, plus the history of past streaks and the mess that is the team's TV situation. And somehow a discussion of PWHL Minnesota led to remembering the Minneapolis Lakers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand sets up the second-round playoff series between the Wolves and Nuggets through the eyes (and quotes) of Karl-Anthony Towns. It's been a nine-year journey for KAT to get to the second round, and it's a lesson in continuity. 11:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Phil Miller joins Rand to discuss three compelling story lines. The Twins have won 10 games in a row, and the competition will get tougher with Boston coming to town on what should be a beautiful night at Target Field Friday. We should get an update on Byron Buxton's injury Friday as well. But the TV issue between Comcast and Bally Sports, which has left a lot of Twins fans without access to games, is looming over it all. 34:00: The Wolves ownership dispute heads to arbitration, while the Lynx and PWHL Minnesota have key games Saturday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down the Twins' 10-game winning streak, which has come from a balance of improved contributions up and down the lineup, timely pitching and -- let's be honest -- weak opponents. Can the Twins keep it going against better teams? And how much will Byron Buxton's latest knee injury and the dispute between Comcast and Bally Sports dilute the good news? 11:00: Harrison Wind, who covers the Nuggets with a podcast in Denver, joins the show to help preview the Western Conference playoff series between the Nuggets and Wolves. He and Rand will break down the matchups and what they are looking forward to in the series. 32:00: It wouldn't be a day if there wasn't transfer portal news for the Gophers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with some big news for local sports fans. Comcast announced Tuesday night that it was dropping Bally Sports channels, including Bally Sports North, after the sides were unable to reach a contract agreement. BSN disappeared from customers' TVs late Tuesday, and if this impasse is permanent it will have a massive impact on Minnesota sports fans. 10:00: Jeff Day joins Rand on two very different but interesting subjects: What it is like to be a Timberwolves fan after so many tough years and what it is like for college sports donors in the era of name, image and likeness. 47:00: The Knicks had the 76ers where they wanted them, and they let them off the hook.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gets right into things with Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III on a number of subjects. Neal was at the Vikings draft party last week and reports on the enthusiasm of the fan base after first-round picks of J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. Rand and Neal also break down how the Wolves dismantled the Suns and what a series against Denver will look like, while Neal offers a July timeline for the return of Royce Lewis even as the Twins continue to surge. Plus Neal has good perspective on the PWHL and Minnesota's push toward the playoffs. 27:00: More analysis of the NBA playoffs from Rand, praise for the Twins bullpen and a listener tries to explain the Falcons' decision to draft Michael Penix Jr.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand after a stretch that could only be described as wildly optimistic. Even a curmudgeonly veteran columnist had to agree that times are good in Minnesota sports. They started with the Timberwolves, who finished off an extremely impressive sweep of the Suns with a Game 4 win late Sunday in Phoenix. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were terrific. After the franchise's first series win in 20 years, can they go even deeper in the playoffs? The Vikings landed two blue chip players in the NFL draft with quarterback J.J. McCarthy and pass rusher Dallas Turner. Big swings for big players are the name of the game. And the Twins have won seven in a row since the last time Rand and Reusse talked -- a show a week ago when they ripped Rocco Baldelli's team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand recaps the first round of the NFL draft, which saw the Vikings get Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy without having to give up any other first round picks aside from No. 11. That was a huge win for the Vikings, who not only got their quarterback of the future but also nabbed edge rusher Dallas Turner while retaining their 2025 first-round pick. It was also a very confusing night for former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. 11:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a look at the Twins, who are fresh off a four-game sweep of the hapless White Sox. Was that a function of just how bad Chicago is, or is there hope for the Twins after a rough start? 32:00: Will the Wolves treat Friday's Game 3 with urgency?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand comes to a rather important conclusion as we prepare for the first round of Thursday's NFL draft. The Vikings, on the clock at No. 11 and very likely to move into the top 10, are on the verge of making the most important draft pick in franchise history. No pressure, though. 7:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk about the Timberwolves, who have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their playoff series with Phoenix. Can they take their excellent play on the road for Game 3? Plus Scoggins weighs in on the NFL draft and recent transfer portal moves for the Gophers football team. 28:00: Rename a street for Naz Reid? Plus three wins in a row for the Twins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand talks through another dominant Timberwolves victory in the playoffs, putting Minnesota up 2-0 in its series over Phoenix. Jaden McDaniels (25 points) looked like the best player on the court during a 105-93 win at Target Center, while the Wolves' balance was a big story all night. Can they keep it going when the series shifts to Phoenix? 10:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for one final look at what the Vikings might do at quarterback in Thursday's draft. All the scenarios make sense. And we'll know the outcome soon. 30:00: The Twins escaped with a much-needed win and the Gophers got some good transfer portal news.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who had the pleasure of playing the White Sox on Monday. A 7-0 victory over hapless Chicago could be the start of an early season turnaround. One emailer, who didn't like all the negativity on Monday's show with Patrick Reusse, sure things it will be. Plus Rand gets into the latest Gophers men's basketball departure into the world of the transfer portal and likely big money. 11:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand to break down how the Wolves were so dominant in a Game 1 victory over Phoenix on Saturday. Can Minnesota do it again in Game 2 tonight against the Suns? 32:00: A big shot from the defending champs.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which started (of course) with the Timberwolves' dominant Game 1 victory over the Suns in Saturday's playoff opener. Great coaching and big-time performances told the story. Can the Wolves do it again in Game 2 on Tuesday? Reusse and Rand also got into the Twins, who stand at a dismal 7-13 after 20 games. Who do we blame the most for the poor showing so far: Ownership, the front office, the manager or the players? And Reusse has some optimism about the Vikings.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the end for the Wild. A disappointing season came to a fitting end Thursday with a 4-3 loss to Seattle. The Wild were neither good enough to make the playoffs nor bad enough to truly rebuild. Now the question is whether what figures to be a similar roster next year can get out of that murky middle. Also, the Gophers women's basketball team landed a key transfer. 8:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look ahead to the start of the playoffs Saturday against Phoenix. Minnesota went 0-3 against the Suns in the regular season. Can that change in the playoffs? Plus Hine goes into detail on his excellent Naz Reid profile. 37:00: A Justin Jefferson trade idea.

Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who lost again in Baltimore to fall to 6-11. They are missing three of their most important players, and it is showing. Can they take advantage of a more forgiving schedule in the next 13 games -- including seven against the woeful White Sox -- to get their season turned around? Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand. The Wild's season ends Thursday, and most would label it a disappointment. After missing the playoffs this season, what can the Wild do to turn things around next year? An uncomfortable moment at Caitlin Clark's introductory news conference.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand at least isn't the only one who has noticed the Twins just aren't very good right now. Manager Rocco Baldelli offered a frank assessment of the team's myriad woes after Tuesday's 11-3 loss at Baltimore dropped them to 6-10 on the season. It's not time to panic yet, but it certainly is time to be concerned. 9:00: Rand welcomes in Tom Curran from NBC Boston to talk about the possibility of the Vikings trading up to No. 3 with New England in next week's NFL draft. Would the Patriots really do that? What would it cost the Vikings? And which QB does New England like the most if it does stay at No. 3? They get into all of that and more. 31:00: The Wolves vs. Suns schedule is set, the Warriors are done and the Lakers will get the Nuggets.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down the two biggest stories from Monday night -- the Lynx drafting Alissa Pili of Utah No. 8 overall and the Twins losing at Baltimore 7-4. The Lynx gained a dominant offensive player who should bring an infusion of talent. The Twins, meanwhile, are getting far too little from second-year players they were counting on this season. 9:00: Rand welcomes in Ben Kaplan, co-author of the new book, "Pipeline to the Pros: How D3, Small-College Nobodies Rose to Rule the NBA." They discussed the phenomenon of former D3 players reaching the NBA as head coaches and executives, including Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. 32:00: It sure seems like the price for J.J. McCarthy is too high.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the least-desirable scenario for the Timberwolves. They were routed by Phoenix for a third time this season, a loss that locked them into a playoff series with those same Suns. Will a stellar season end with a first-round playoff exit? Plus Reusse and Rand get into the latest big Twins injury (Carlos Correa) and a slumping offense. Even after a nice doubleheader win Saturday, the Twins gave away a game Sunday. The Masters has changed over the years, Reusse says, and the Lynx made an interesting trade just before Monday's WNBA draft.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's comments two weeks before the NFL draft and finds someone who is looking to create leverage by trying to convince the league that Minnesota isn't locked in on one quarterback. How much that is true -- and how well he can convince teams -- remains to be seen. 6:00: Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan checks in from Augusta where he is covering The Masters. 13:00: Soccer writer Jon Marthaler joins Rand for the latest on Minnesota United. The Loons are off to a good start this season but once again they are without Emanuel Reynoso under strange circumstances. 31:00: The return of KAT?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' loss at Denver on Wednesday, which likely will keep them from getting the No. 1 seed in the West. While playoff matchups are still up in the air, the Wolves' offense was again a concern in this game. It underscored the need for Karl-Anthony Towns to return and contribute. 8:00: The Twins' win over Los Angeles felt important on Wednesday, with Carlos Correa making a sparkling defensive play and Edouard Julien belting two homers after an 0-4 start to the home stand. 12:00: Randy Johnson joins Rand to talk Frozen Four hockey, which begins Thursday at Xcel Energy Center. The Gophers aren't in it, but they've already had a busy offseason in the transfer portal. 26:00: Can the Gophers football team land a bigtime transfer?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand start with a game-heavy rundown. The Wolves got 51 points from Anthony Edwards in a win over Washington on the same day they announced they will soon get Karl-Anthony Towns back from injury. And they have a massive game Wednesday in Denver that should determine the No. 1 seed in the West. The Wild, meanwhile, were officially eliminated from playoff contention while the Twins continue to look subpar at the plate. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan joins the show from Augusta, where he is covering an intriguing Masters. How will the field shake out as PGA and LIV golfers share a course? And what will the Tiger Woods impact be? Plus Souhan offers his perspectives on the Twins. 30:00: After looking at best-case scenarios in the draft on Tuesday, Rand look at what could go wrong for the Vikings today.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Twins offense through eight games, finding a team that is second to last in runs per game at 2.88 and struggling to sustain rallies. There are multiple reasons for the poor start at the plate, but the net effect is a team that is now 3-5 and not looking very dangerous at the plate. 11:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a look at all the potential quarterbacks available in the draft. What will the Vikings end up doing? And what is their best-case scenario with the draft a little more than two weeks away? 34:00: UConn triumphs and the Gophers men's hockey team gets a key addition.