Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Lakers
Date: October 22nd, 2024
Time: 9:00PM CDT
Location: Crypto.com Arena
Television Coverage: TNT
Radio Coverage: 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 tip off. And for once, it’s the Minnesota Timberwolves headlining opening night on TNT. Sure, the Boston Celtics will do their thing, raising banner number 18 in the early game, but the real show comes later when the Timberwolves roll into L.A. to face LeBron James and the Lakers.
The Lakers in the nightcap of opening night is standard fare, but this one has an extra layer of intrigue. It’s the Timberwolves’ first real test since the blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and it’s happening on one of the NBA’s biggest stages. Yes, we got a glimpse of the new-look Wolves in the preseason against Chicago, but let’s be honest: preseason doesn’t count. This is when it matters. This is opening night, prime time, on national TV, and everyone is watching.
The timing couldn’t be better, with the buzz around Netflix’s Starting Five documentary still in the air, featuring both Anthony Edwards and LeBron. If you’re a casual fan who might’ve skipped out on NBA’s opening night in the past, that alone could reel you in. This matchup isn’t just about hoops; it’s about setting the stage for Edwards to take another leap into the NBA’s upper echelon of stars. It’s his moment to show that he’s not just an up-and-comer but a force to be reckoned with.
What to Expect: Game Night Drama
So, what should we expect when the Timberwolves take the court at Crypto.com Arena? If you’re scanning the injury report, it doesn’t paint a perfect picture. Both backup wings Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo are listed as game-time decisions. But the real eyebrow-raisers are Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid—Minnesota’s two main big men—also being questionable. That could spell trouble, considering the Lakers feature Anthony Davis who has shown on more than one occasion that he can have his way in the paint with Minnesota, especially against a depleted Wolves frontcourt.
Without KAT, the burden of slowing down Davis falls squarely on Gobert and Reid. If neither is at full strength, things could get dicey. For what it’s worth, Davis is also listed as a game-time decision, but come on—it’s opening night in L.A. The guy will probably play unless his ankle is hanging by a thread.
But injuries or not, the Wolves’ real story tonight isn’t about who’s questionable. It’s about who’s making their official debut. We’re talking Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo—both of whom will have the spotlight on them in their first official games as Timberwolves. While the Wolves are expected to be serious contenders out West this season, let’s not forget that the Lakers—despite recent seasons flirting with the play-in tournament—are still dangerous, especially when LeBron and AD are rested and motivated.
A Rocky Start? History Says It Could Happen
It’s easy to feel optimistic about the Wolves going into this game, but I wouldn’t be too quick to chalk up an opening night victory. Remember, massive roster changes take time to work through. I flash back to 2003-04 when Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell joined Kevin Garnett. That Wolves team had sky-high expectations, but the chemistry didn’t click right away. Even super teams need time to jell, and that could very well be the case for Minnesota this season. Integrating Randle and DiVincenzo while adjusting to life without Towns might not happen overnight.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are dealing with far less turmoil. Their roster turnover has been minimal, and they’re not figuring out new roles on the fly like the Wolves are. The biggest question of the night for L.A. is how much the announcing team will gush if LeBron and Bronny step on the floor together. The Lakers should be more cohesive, especially on their home floor, and that’s why this game has all the makings of a potential upset. The Wolves are still working out the kinks, while L.A. knows exactly who they are.
The Antidote? Anthony Edwards, of Course
When it comes to making things 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’s already shown he can take over big games—think back to his electric performances against the Suns and Nuggets in last year’s playoffs. If Ant steps up and shows the world that his subpar series against the Mavericks was a blip, then the Wolves have a legit shot at starting the season with a bang.
Let’s face it, the spotlight will be squarely on Ant. There’s a lot riding on this young superstar to lead the charge. But if there’s anyone who’s shown he can shoulder that weight, it’s Edwards. If he comes out firing, plays with his signature swagger, and hits the Lakers with a barrage of threes and highlight-reel dunks, then suddenly all the question marks around the Wolves fade into the background.
Big Stage, Big Opportunity
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this is a huge opportunity for the Timberwolves. With ESPN and the rest of the sports world watching, they can make an immediate statement. Imagine waking up on Wednesday morning to a flood of takes about how Anthony Edwards has finally arrived as 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 snag this win.
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, as the Timberwolves head out to L.A., 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 start putting the league on notice than under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
Get your popcorn ready, folks. The Wolves are in the spotlight, and it’s time to see what they’re made of.