Game Preview #3: Timberwolves vs. Raptors

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Toronto Raptors
Date: October 26, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Location: Target center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio reporting: KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Alright, Wolves Nation, the home opener is here, and after a two-game road trip to California, the Timberwolves are finally returning to the Big North. They'll take on the Toronto Raptors at Target Center and it's safe to say we're ready for Minnesota basketball. The first two games of the season definitely gave us a lot to digest. There was the rocky, chaotic loss to the Lakers that had the rhythm of a middle school band concert, followed by a heartbreaking comeback against the Kings that reminded everyone how explosive this team can be.

Let's start with the bad: the Lakers game. Man, that was hard. The wolves came out looking like they were still shaking off jet lag. The offense couldn't get going and the defense had more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese. Rebounding? Forget it. Anthony Davis made it deep and the Wolves were pressured along the boards early on, leading to their big deficit. It was the kind of game that made you wonder if the offseason moves would actually have any success.

But Thursday night in Sacramento was a different story. The Kings' home opener had all the makings of another Wolves disappointment: a full house, an excited crowd and a feisty Sacramento team ready to light the rafters. Instead, Minnesota bounced back with the kind of grit and explosiveness that made you believe the offseason hype wasn't all smoke and mirrors. Under double-digit pressure in the third quarter, the Wolves battled back and delivered a thriller, 117-115.

And let's not bury the matter here: Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards went off. Both players dropped more than 30 points and it was like watching a WWE tag team hustle in the fourth quarter. Edwards was ever-present – ​​attacking the rim, knocking down threes and making defensive stops. After a lackluster debut in LA, Randle finally showed why Tim Connelly was so eager to get him. He played with the chip on his shoulder that the Wolves will need if they want to seriously compete in the West.

For those of you who felt some remorse about the Karl-Anthony Towns transfer after Randle and Donte DiVincenzo's shaky performances against the Lakers, Thursday night in Sacramento should make you think again. This game showed what a ceiling this team can reach when everything works out. And yes, I know it's still early, but you can already feel that there's a different vibe in this group. The chemistry isn't quite right yet and Chris Finch still has a lot of problems to work out, but the potential is obvious.

Coming home to the destination center

Now it's time for the Wolves to bring that energy back home when they take on the Toronto Raptors. On paper, this should be a cheap pair. The Raptors aren't exactly disrupting the league, and they don't have the firepower to keep up with Minnesota. But before we rush out and start chalking this up as an easy W, let's take a quick trip down memory lane to last year's season opener in Toronto. Do you remember that? The Wolves entered Scotiabank Arena expecting to cruise, but were punched in the mouth by a tough Raptors squad that refused to back down.

Let's not forget that this is still the NBA, where any team can catch fire on any given night, especially one with a chip on its shoulder like Toronto. The Raptors may not be contenders, but they won't easily roll over either. The Wolves will need to show the same intensity with which they survived the wild comeback in Sacramento.

The big three and banking questions

The good news is that the injury report looks clean and Wolves should be at full strength. This is the first time this season that fans at Target Center will be able to see the revamped lineup in action, and there's reason to be excited. Randle and DiVincenzo will be able to show their hometown crowd what they're capable of, while Edwards looks to build on what is already shaping up to be a breakout year.

I'm also curious to see how the bench rotation develops. Chris Finch has some decisions to make with the second unit. Providing consistent performance off the bench will be crucial for this team, especially in games where Edwards or Randle aren't overpowering.

The way ahead

This game isn't just about getting your first win at Target Center; It's about setting the tone for the rest of the season. The Wolves cannot afford to fall into a pattern of inconsistency. They need to establish their identity as a team that works hard on defense, moves the ball on offense and hits the glass hard every night. With heavyweights like Dallas and Denver on the schedule, this home opener against the Raptors is the perfect opportunity to build momentum and give fans something to cheer about.

There's still a lot of basketball left to play, but this appears to be a moment where the Wolves can start making a statement. It's not just about putting on a show for the home crowd; It's about proving that this year will be different. That all the hype and offseason moves weren't just window dressing. That Anthony Edwards is ready to become a superstar. That Julius Randle is not just a replacement for Karl-Anthony Towns, but an upgrade that better fits the rising star in Edwards.

So buckle up, Wolves fans. The home opener is here and it's time to see if this team can deliver on the promise we've all been waiting for. Let's rock the Target Center, put the first W on the board and set the stage for what could be a very special season.