On Wednesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves will play on Christmas Day for just the third time in franchise history. They will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks in what will be a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals, where the Wolves fell four games to one.
Minnesota was of course selected for the prestigious honor of playing on Christmas after their wildly successful season last year. But recently, their play has hardly been inspiring. The Timberwolves come into this marquee game having lost three in a row and desperately needing some answers on the offensive side of the ball.
On the flip side of things, the Mavericks are rolling. They have won 10 of their last 12 games and are looking like one of the most formidable squads in the Western Conference, currently holding fourth place in the standings. The struggling Wolves will have their work cut out for them in this one.
Timberwolves projected starting lineup vs Mavericks
Chris Finch has not shown us any signs that a starting lineup change is imminent, so expect the same starters on Wednesday in Dallas.
Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards
Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves injury report
According to the official injury report, Luka Garza (left ankle sprain), Joe Ingles (left soleus strain) and Daishen Nix (right ankle sprain) are all out against the Mavericks. Everyone else is available to play.
Mavericks projected starting lineup vs Timberwolves
P.J. Washington
Dereck Lively II
Kyrie Irving
Luka Doncic
Klay Thompson
Mavericks injury report
Kessler Edwards (G League - two-way), Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) and Brandon Williams (right thumb sprain) are all out against Minnesota. Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain) is questionable, and Luka Doncic (left heel contusion) is probable.
How to watch Timberwolves-Mavericks
Timberwolves vs Mavericks will be televised on national television on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+, with tipoff set for 1:30 PM CT on Christmas Day. Fans can also tune in on FanDuel Sports Network to hear the broadcast done by Michael Grady and Jim Peterson.
This game will not be broadcast on NBA League Pass since it is a national television game.
Timberwolves' next five regular season games
Friday, December 27 at Houston Rockets (7:00 PM CT on FDSS)
Sunday, December 29 vs San Antonio Spurs (7:00 PM CT on FDSS)
Tuesday, December 31 at Oklahoma City Thunder (7:00 PM CT on NBA TV)
Thursday, January 2 vs Boston Celtics (6:30 PM CT on TNT)
Saturday, January 4 at Detroit Pistons (6:00 PM CT on FDSS)