Timberwolves Preseason Opener
Timberwolves debut their revamped roster against the Milwaukee Bucks in preseason opener.
Anonymous
The Timberwolves opened their preseason against the Bucks with a substantially revamped roster, making early game reps important as the team works to build chemistry and avoid a slow start. The central questions are how Anthony Edwards and new point guard LaMelo Ball will share the ball and usage, and whether Jonathan Kuminga can fit alongside Rudy Gobert without worsening Minnesota’s spacing. Coach Chris Finch planned to give the starters time together, though preseason minutes were expected to be limited. The team’s potential to play faster and the way Finch manages the Edwards-Ball pairing are also major storylines, with observers describing the new duo as a high-upside but unpredictable bet.
Key Points
1
Minnesota’s previous roster changes offer a cautionary precedent: after adding Julius Randle in 2024, the starters played together in only one preseason game and the team began the season 16–14; after acquiring Rudy Gobert in 2022, he played only one preseason game with Karl-Anthony Towns and the Wolves began 15–15.
2
The revamped lineup was shaped in part by injury, not just choice: Donte DiVincenzo’s injury forced a change to Minnesota’s starting group.
3
Rudy Gobert is set to be the starting lineup’s lone true big for the first time since his Utah Jazz days, a different role that could affect how Minnesota uses him on offense and defense.
4
Minnesota’s roster overhaul was a gamble away from a regular-season-successful previous core: one preview described Ball and Kuminga as volatile additions after their former teams were eager to move on from them.
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