The Minnesota Timberwolves play the Los Angeles Lakers in their first preseason exhibition game on Saturday night in Anaheim.
Basketball is finally here.
The new season unofficially kicks off for the Timberwolves on Saturday night, and many people around the league are eager to get a peek at the new-look Minnesota squad. Fans may finally have the successful basketball team they deserve with this talented group.
With the additions of Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Jamal Crawford, and Taj Gibson, Tom Thibodeau will have almost a completely new team on his hands this year. Don’t forget the list of returning faces though, both Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins will look to solidify their spots in the NBA elite class this year.
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Last but not least, Gorgui Dieng and Shabazz Muhammad begin their fifth year with the Timberwolves. Dieng was handed a hefty contract extension with the intent that he would continue his growth on both sides of the ball, this year will be a big year for him.
However, it’s Muhammad that will hit the court with something to prove to both the Timberwolves and possible suitors for next season. After turning down an extension last season, Muhammad signed a one-year, veteran minimum contract to return to the Wolves because he didn’t receive the interest in free agency he was expecting.
The Los Angeles Lakers were one team who had serious interest in bringing Muhammad back to his old stomping grounds, and the Wolves opponent Saturday night will be none other than those very same Lakers. The Lakers are another team with high expectations… at least from their fan base. Under the new leadership and vision of Magic Johnson, the Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball in hopes that he can help turn around the once powerful franchise.
We will go over the major keys for both Minnesota and Los Angeles, the player to watch, and predictions from our Dunking With Wolves staff.