Minnesota Timberwolves’ must-watch game of the season

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a number of interesting games on the schedule that fans will be tuning in to. Whether it be attending a home game, following the team on the road, or watching on television because you live somewhere crazy like Australia as I do, it’s tough to pick the Wolves most exciting matchup of the year.

Sure, the regular-season opener in San Antonio will be the first chance for fans to catch the new-era Minnesota Timberwolves and see just how well they can gel. Our first home game will see Ricky Rubio return to Minnesota to face his old team for the first time. Two days later we will pay a visit to the reigning MVP and division rival Oklahoma City Thunder.

I don’t believe any of these are the Timberwolves best game on the schedule.

Nor do I think a matchup against the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics or Houston Rockets will be the most important regular season game to tune into.

The game I personally view as the Timberwolves’ must-watch game of the season, comes in the form of our second consecutive Christmas game.

Dec. 25 is the first time in the season the Timberwolves face the Lakers. While many will predict the Timberwolves should take the win, which would be a great Christmas present, it is the last game of a three-game road stint and the Timberwolves could be a little worse for wear.

Depending on how well the ‘Lonzo Ball-era’ Lakers start their season, this could be an interesting game between two teams that have taken major steps in their rebuilding processes this offseason.

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I personally am very interested in seeing how the Wolves decide to match up against Ball, who presumably will be playing point guard. Ball stands at 6-foot-6 and would potentially be a challenge for 6-foot-2 Jeff Teague to guard. I would be interested to see Butler, in particular, switched onto Ball and how he deals under pressure.

I believe Minnesota has had the better offseason, and look like the better team, and I, of course, expect them to win. This potentially factors into my decision of choosing this game as the best of the season, as I’m excited to see a Christmas win for the Wolves after a disappointing result against Oklahoma City Thunder last Christmas.

Besides, how can a Timberwolves game do anything except make Christmas better? The date alone of this game makes it one of the most anticipated in the season.

I’m sure there will be more challenging games throughout the season for the Wolves, and my opinion of which game in the season I am most excited to see will likely change after the season begins. But for now, I am excited to see how these two rebuilding teams match up against each other, on Christmas Day no less.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had an offseason for the ages. We’re yet to see just how well it will pay off for them and if the dreaded playoff drought can finally be overcome. But I’m optimistic nonetheless.

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Dec. 25 is on my radar as the Timberwolves’ must-watch game of the season, as the Christmas festivities will only add to the excitement of Minnesota basketball, as the Timberwolves face the Lakers.