The moment has finally arrived. The Minnesota Timberwolves will embark on their 2024-25 NBA preseason journey this Friday evening, set to clash with the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated road matchup. This encounter marks the first of five preseason games for Minnesota, each offering a crucial preview of what lies ahead this season.
After the showdown against the very team they will battle on opening night in Los Angeles, the Timberwolves will enjoy a week-long intermission before welcoming the Philadelphia 76ers to the Iowa Wolves’ arena. Following that, they’ll take to the road to face off against New York and Chicago, concluding their preseason itinerary back home with a contest against the Denver Nuggets.
These exhibition games will unveil a rejuvenated Timberwolves lineup, showcasing new acquisitions Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo alongside the existing roster. Additionally, it will provide the first true opportunity for the entire squad to engage in five-on-five, real-game scenarios against opposing NBA teams, as opposed to scrimmaging amongst themselves.
Anticipated Starting Lineup for the Timberwolves:
- Point Guard: Mike Conley
- Shooting Guard: Anthony Edwards
- Small Forward: Jaden McDaniels
- Power Forward: Julius Randle
- Center: Rudy Gobert
As of now, no official word suggests that the Timberwolves plan to rest any of their key players during the preseason opener. It’s expected that the lineup head coach Chris Finch rolls out against the Lakers will be quite similar to the one he envisions for the regular season, with Randle stepping into Karl-Anthony Towns’ previous role at power forward.
However, don’t anticipate this starting five seeing extensive minutes. Finch will likely withdraw his starters fairly early, possibly after a run through most of the first quarter. Preseason is traditionally used to experiment with different lineups, give younger and less-seasoned players significant playing time, and iron out kinks without the pressure of standings.
Projected Timberwolves Rotation:
Beyond the core starters, nearly everyone on the Wolves’ roster could see some court time. With training camp wrapping up, Finch likely has a solid understanding of where each player fits into his broader strategy. Expect him to test new combinations and rotations as he determines which of the team’s newer faces can make an impact.
Rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. are poised to receive ample minutes as Finch evaluates their readiness for the NBA stage. Likewise, the trio of players signed to training camp contracts—Skylar Mays, Jaedon LeDee, and Eugene Omoruyi—should all expect to be called upon for valuable preseason minutes. Once Finch makes his first substitution and reshuffles the lineup, the game could take a more experimental turn as the Timberwolves try out various combinations to see what clicks.
This preseason slate will be an essential period for fine-tuning, evaluating talent, and solidifying a cohesive unit before the games begin to count. For fans, it will offer the first real glimpse of the Timberwolves’ ambitions for the season, highlighted by Randle’s integration and the dynamic possibilities that lie ahead for the team.