5 Most important national TV games on Timberwolves’ 2023-24 schedule
By Bret Stuter
IV: Jan 18 Memphis 9:00 pm CT TNT
The Minnesota Timberwolves know that even with a 25-game suspension to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, they remain a formidable opponent. But the Timberwolves will not face the Grizzlies at Target Center until Morant has served that suspension, so you can look for a very motivated and competitive game from the Grizzlies.
These two teams split their four-game series last season, with each team winning both home games. With any luck, the Timberwolves can hold to that trend when hosting the Grizzlies in the 2023-24 NBA season. But with both home games coming in as the second game of back-to-backs, that is a tall order to fill.
III: Mar 10 @ Los Angeles Lakers 8:30 pm CT ESPN
The Los Angeles Lakers have never hesitated to load up on players who for one reason or another had recently parted ways with the Minnesota Timberwolves. And even now, they have point guard D’Angelo Russell, power forward Jarred Vanderbilt, and power forward Taurean Prince on their roster, all of whom were Minnesota Timberwolves players less than 15 months ago.
And so, any occasion for the Timberwolves to take on the Lakers will be touted as an NBA version of a grudge match. Does that match the reality of the games’ true dynamics? Doubtful, as the Timberwolves have no extra incentive to hate on the Lakers, other than normal competitive rivalry.
Of course, the Timberwolves did face and lose to the Lakers in the 2023 Play-In Tournament, a game that then pitted the Lakers against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. So perhaps there will be a bit of extra incentive for the Timberwolves in this rematch.