Game Preview: Wolves vs. Sixers in Iowa

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Date: October 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa
TV coverage: None
Radio reporting: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

After a week off, the Timberwolves are back in action and will continue their preseason with a “home game” at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Before we dive deeper, let's talk about last week's game against the Lakers. Sure, the media raved about Bronny James and his two points in 16 minutes like he was Magic Johnson's second, but real Wolves fans were paying attention to more important things – like the rookie's impressive play Rob Dillinghamand young people Josh Minott And Luke Garza. Dillingham looked confident and showed signs of being a young scorer who could easily find his place in this team's rotation. Meanwhile, Minott and Garza brought energy and drive, exactly what you want from your developing players in these early matchups.

The big question for this game? Whether Anthony Edwards And Julius Randle actually fit. They're both listed as game-time decisions, but if last week was any indicator, we could be seeing more sideline action than on-field action from the Stars. There's no reason to risk injury in the preseason if you have bigger fish to fry at the end of the regular season.

The same goes for the Sixers. Joel Embiid and , their big off-season achievement, Paul Georgeare also listed as game time decisions. Personally, I would be shocked if we saw any of them on the ground. Philly will protect its franchise guys, just like Minnesota does with Ant and Randle.

But hey, you don't have to worry about a lack of entertainment. Even without the big names, we have it Rob Dillingham to watch again. I'm excited to see (or I guess I'm hearing since this game won't be televised) how he continues to dominate the field, especially after putting in some great performances last week. It's not easy to walk into the NBA and immediately feel like you belong, but he's off to a great start. It's the magic of the preseason – where rookies and role players get their chance to shine while the stars sip Gatorade and look cool on the bench.

Another guy to keep an eye on? Donte DiVincenzo. The guy was electric last week, drilling all three of his three-point attempts and finishing perfect with 11 points in just 10 minutes of play. This early preview suggests that we'll be seeing some massive fireworks from DDV as the season progresses. The Wolves will need his shots and distance, especially with Ant and Randle drawing the attention of the defense.

Look, we all know it's preseason. There's little at stake and we won't exactly see Finals-level intensity on the pitch. But what we will see is a chance for these new faces to integrate, get the chemistry going and work out the kinks before the real games begin in just under two weeks. Dillingham, DiVincenzo and the Wolves' other role players will get valuable minutes, and we'll get a glimpse of what to expect from this squad once the regular season is over.

Even if we're not dealing with a big matchup, it's still Timberwolves basketball. And that's always a good thing. Let's see if Dillingham and crew can continue to build momentum, and who knows, maybe we'll get a sneak peek of The Anthony Edwards Show if he does decide to make an appearance? Either way, it's one step closer to perhaps one of the most exciting seasons in Wolves history.