Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Oct. 5 at Golden State Warriors

SHENZHEN, CHINA - OCTOBER 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during practice and media availability at Shenzhen Gymnasium as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China on October 3, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA - OCTOBER 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during practice and media availability at Shenzhen Gymnasium as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China on October 3, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during practice and media availability at Shenzhen Gymnasium as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China on October 3, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during practice and media availability at Shenzhen Gymnasium as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China on October 3, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Minnesota Timberwolves square up with the Golden State Warriors in the first of two games in China. Here’s what you should know.

During the wee hours of Thursday morning, the Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the Golden State Warriors at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in Shenzhen, China. This marks the first of two contests the teams will have against one another.

Minnesota walked away victorious from their first exhibition game of the season against the Los Angeles Lakers. They hope to carry that momentum (if there is such a thing in preseason) into the game against the Warriors.

For those of you who missed it, co-expert Ben Beecken gives a great summary of what went down in California that you can read here.

Although this trip to China may be a luxury event for some, it carries significant importance for others. A few of the players on each team are fighting for their NBA lives and may never receive another opportunity after this.

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That, combined with the raucous Chinese crowd, should make for a great atmosphere and some good basketball. Oh, and there could also be six All-Stars featured in this game.

As Minnesota looks to continue their undefeated preseason record, let’s take a look at the major key for them in this game.