5 key games for the Timberwolves this season

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 21, 2014 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 21, 2014 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) and forward Taj Gibson (22) leave the court following their lost to the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs at the Verizon Center in Washington, Sunday, Apr. 27, 2014. Washington defeated Chicago 98-89 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) and forward Taj Gibson (22) leave the court following their lost to the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs at the Verizon Center in Washington, Sunday, Apr. 27, 2014. Washington defeated Chicago 98-89 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT via Getty Images)

#1 – February 9 at Chicago

Tom Thibodeau will make his second return to Chicago after getting a nice ovation last time around. Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson will be making their return as well and will likely get nice ovations of their own.

Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn, who were traded for Butler on draft night, will also be facing their former team for the first time. It should be a fun night at the United Center, but it surely be emotional as well.

Excitement continues to build around this team and for good reason. The previous 13 seasons had mostly been about how much their young players will improve, while this year will be about not only that but more importantly, having a real shot to be among the best teams in the league. Times have certainly changed.

Next: Timberwolves Roundup: Towns, Wiggins, and Aldrich

The Timberwolves have been getting some nice national exposure this summer. If they stay healthy and have a great season, it would only add that much more attention to Thibodeau’s crew.