The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for their first preseason game on October 6, 2026, against the Milwaukee Bucks. This matchup marks the debut of a revamped roster featuring star players Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, who are expected to form one of the league's top backcourts.
Why it matters: The Timberwolves have undergone substantial changes in the offseason, aiming to improve on their previous performance and return to the Conference Finals. With a new lineup, fans are eager to see how these adjustments will impact the team's dynamics.
The Timberwolves are an extremely new-look team this preseason, with high expectations following offseason changes.
Key departures include Julius Randle and Naz Reid, which reshaped the roster significantly.
Fans are excited about the potential of Edwards and Ball as they work to establish themselves as the league's best backcourt.
Driving the news: The Timberwolves will take the court for the first time as a unit, allowing fans to witness the chemistry between Edwards and Ball. This preseason game is seen as a litmus test for the team’s new strategies and player roles.
The Timberwolves aim to build off their previous success, having reached the Conference Finals in 2023-24.
Coach Chris Finch is tasked with integrating new players into a cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level.
Preseason serves as a platform for evaluating player performances and establishing team chemistry before the regular season.
State of play: The starting lineup for the Timberwolves features Edwards, Ball, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Jonathan Kuminga. Each player brings unique strengths that the coaching staff hopes to leverage throughout the season.
Edwards expressed enthusiasm about the new team dynamics, saying, "I like it, sharing the ball a lot. I think defensively we can really be a super team on that end."
LaMelo Ball is expected to take on the majority of playmaking duties, alleviating some offensive pressure from Edwards.
Kuminga’s role as a perimeter stopper and elite positional rebounder will be closely monitored during the preseason.
The big picture: The Timberwolves' defensive strategy has been a hallmark of their recent success, ranking in the top ten for defense over the last four seasons. The team seeks to maintain this defensive prowess even with the addition of new players.
In the 2023-24 season, the Timberwolves boasted the best defense in the league, demonstrating their commitment to strong defensive play.
Edwards is recognized as one of the best defenders in the league, with McDaniels also establishing himself as a top perimeter defender.
Gobert continues to be a formidable presence as a shot-blocker and defensive anchor.
What they're saying: The excitement surrounding the Timberwolves’ new roster is echoed by both players and fans. The combination of young talent and seasoned players is generating optimism about the upcoming season.
Edwards highlighted the importance of sharing the ball, indicating a shift toward a more collaborative offensive strategy.
Analysts are curious about how Ball, considered the weak link defensively, will adapt and contribute to the team’s defensive schemes.
Coach Finch will need to devise a plan that maximizes each player's strengths and mitigates potential weaknesses.
By the numbers: The Timberwolves finished eighth in defense last season, continuing a trend of strong defensive performance.
They were ranked as the best defense in the league during the 2023-24 season.
Expectations are high for the Timberwolves to rank in the top ten for both offense and defense this season.
Edwards and McDaniels represent a formidable defensive duo, with Gobert adding experience and skill in the paint.
What's next: The Timberwolves will look to build on their preseason performance as they prepare for the regular season. Fans are eager to see how the team develops chemistry and executes their strategies on the court.
Following the preseason opener against the Bucks, the Timberwolves will continue to refine their lineup and rotations.
As the team approaches the regular season, maintaining a focus on both offensive and defensive improvements will be key.
The Timberwolves aim to solidify their place as a playoff contender in the upcoming NBA season.