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Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Oct. 18 at San Antonio Spurs

By Jake Paynting

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Minnesota Timberwolves huddle before the preseason game on September 30, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Minnesota Timberwolves huddle before the preseason game on September 30, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs his legs after an injury in Game One of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs his legs after an injury in Game One of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Major key for San Antonio: Dealing without the Klaw

A season opener without your franchise player isn’t exactly ideal, of course.

San Antonio will go in to Wednesday’s game against Minnesota in exactly that predicament — and against a team that has upgraded dramatically this summer, the Spurs will need to find a way to overcome without Kawhi Leonard.

San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs /

San Antonio Spurs

Coach Gregg Popovich didn’t put a timeline on Leonard’s injury, but did confirm he won’t play in the season opener when speaking with San Antonio Express-News’ Jeff McDonald.

"“I don’t gauge it,” Popovich said. “He’s still rehabbing, and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready. I try not to qualify it.”"

The Spurs, who have been seemingly forever known for their eye-catching basketball and ‘next man up’ mentality, will most likely plug new addition Rudy Gay into Leonard’s spot for the game.

Gay has a lot to prove in his first season in San Antonio while coming off a major injury and will have ample opportunity against the Wolves to show he has bought in to Popovich’s game plan come opening night.

The Spurs will need to find a quick and effective way to play without the ‘Klaw’, or they could see themselves having a rocky start to the season.

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