Game Preview #1: Timberwolves at Lakers

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Lakers
Date: October 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 p.m. CDT
Location: Crypto.com Arena
TV coverage: TNT
Radio reporting: KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio

It's here – the moment we've all been waiting for: the 2024-25 NBA season is about to end. And for once, it's the Minnesota Timberwolves who are headlining opening night on TNT. Sure, the Boston Celtics will do their thing and fly banner number 18 in the early game, but the real show comes later when the Timberwolves come to LA to take on LeBron James and the Lakers.

The Lakers' opening night nightcap is standard, but this one has an added layer of intrigue. It's the Timberwolves' first real test since the blockbuster deal between Karl and Anthony Towns, and it comes on one of the NBA's biggest stages. Yes, we got a look at the new-look Wolves in preseason against Chicago, but let's be honest: Preseason doesn't count. Then it depends. This is premiering, in prime time, on national television, and everyone is watching.

The timing couldn't be better, given the huge enthusiasm Netflixs Start five The documentary is still up in the air and features both Anthony Edwards and LeBron. If you're a casual fan who may not have attended NBA Opening Night in the past, this alone might captivate you. This matchup isn't just about basketball; It's about creating the conditions for Edwards to take another leap into the top league of NBA stars. It's his moment to show that he's not just an up-and-coming player, but a force to be reckoned with.

What to Expect: Game night drama

So what can we expect when the Timberwolves take the court at Crypto.com Arena? When you look through the injury report, it doesn't paint a perfect picture. The two backup wingers, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo, are listed as game-time decisions. But the real standouts are Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid — Minnesota's two big men — who are also questionable. That could be a problem, considering Anthony Davis has shown more than once with the Lakers that he can come through with Minnesota, especially against a depleted Wolves frontcourt.

Without KAT, the burden of slowing Davis falls squarely on Gobert and Reid. If neither reaches full strength, things could get tricky. By the way, Davis is also listed as a game-time decision, but come on – it's opening night in LA. The guy will probably play unless his ankle is hanging by a thread.

But injuries or not, the real Wolves story tonight isn't about who's in question. It's about who makes their official debut. We're talking Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo – both will be in the spotlight in their first official games as Timberwolves. Even if the Wolves are expected to be a serious contender in the West this season, let's not forget that the Lakers – even though they have flirted with the play-in tournament in recent seasons – are still dangerous, especially when LeBron and AD are rested and motivated.

A bumpy start? History says it could happen

It's easy to be optimistic about the Wolves going into this game, but I wouldn't be quick to call it a win on opening night. Remember that massive roster changes take time to work through. I remember back in 2003-04 when Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell joined Kevin Garnett. The Wolves team had sky-high expectations, but the chemistry wasn't there right away. Even super teams need time to mess around, and that could very well be the case for Minnesota this season. Integrating Randle and DiVincenzo while adapting to life without cities may not happen overnight.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have to contend with far less turbulence. Their squad turnover has been minimal and they don't spontaneously figure out new roles like Wolves do. The biggest question of the night for LA is how excited the announce team will be when LeBron and Bronny take the stage together. The Lakers should have more cohesion, especially at home, and that's why this game has all the makings of a potential upset. The Wolves are still sorting out their problems while LA knows exactly who they are.

The antidote? Anthony Edwards, of course

When it comes to doing everything right, there's one person who can flip the script: Anthony Edwards. This is his time to shine. We're talking about a 23-year-old who has already shown he can take over big games – think about his impressive performances against the Suns and Nuggets in last year's playoffs. If Ant steps up and shows the world that his subpar streak against the Mavericks was a blip, then the Wolves have a real chance to start the season with a bang.

Let's face it, the spotlight will be entirely on Ant. A lot is riding on this young superstar taking the lead. But if there's anyone who has proven he can shoulder that load, it's Edwards. When he comes out shooting, playing with his trademark swagger and hitting the Lakers with a barrage of three-pointers and highlight-reel dunks, all of a sudden any question marks surrounding the Wolves fade into the background.

Big stage, big opportunity

Let’s not sugarcoat it – this is a huge opportunity for the Timberwolves. When ESPN and the rest of the sports world watch, they can make an instant statement. Imagine waking up on Wednesday morning to a barrage of opinions about how Anthony Edwards has finally become the face of the NBA or how the Wolves — after all the changes — might just be the most dangerous team in the league. That's the narrative that could be written if they come out and secure this victory.

But it won't be easy. The Lakers may not be the powerhouse they once were, but LeBron James on opening night is still LeBron James on opening night. Don't underestimate the king. And don't think for a second that this Wolves team won't face some growing pains.

So when the Timberwolves head to LA, buckle up. This game isn't just the start of the season – it's the start of a new era. It's not just about what happens on opening night. It's about setting the tone for a team with championship aspirations. Win or lose, the Wolves will be a work in progress, but there's no better place to put the league on the map than under the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Get your popcorn ready, people. The wolves are in the spotlight and it's time to see what they're made of.