Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Timberwolves tip off the season tonight with a new-look backcourt. Minnesota is visiting the Miami Heat, and the game marks LaMelo Ball’s first regular-season game in a Wolves uniform alongside Anthony Edwards.
Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. It’s the first time the franchise has opened a season against Miami, and the fourth straight year the Wolves have started on the road.
Minnesota traded for Ball over the summer, moving Edwards off the ball and pairing two of the top three picks from the 2020 draft. Both guards ranked in the NBA’s top six in 3-pointers made per game last season.
The Wolves also signed forward Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year deal. Gone from last year’s roster are Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson and Joe Ingles. Guard Donte DiVincenzo, who started all 82 games last season, tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs, and his return this season is uncertain.
Miami has a big new face of its own. Giannis Antetokounmpo makes his Heat debut after a blockbuster offseason trade. Heat center Bam Adebayo sat out the last two preseason games with groin tightness but says he expects to play tonight.
Minnesota won both meetings with Miami last season by a combined 38 points.
The T-Wolves finished sixth in the Western Conference at 49-and-33 before losing to San Antonio in last year’s conference semis. That came after back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals. Chris Finch is back for his seventh season as head coach.
The Timberwolves’ home opener is Sunday, October 25th, at Target Center. Minnesota has won 10 straight home openers.
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