NBA Preseason Game Preview: Timberwolves at Bulls

Minnesota Timberwolves with the Chicago Bulls
Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Location: United Center
TV coverage: Bally Sports North
Radio reporting: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Well, you have to hand it to the Minnesota Timberwolves – they really know how to make a typically dismal preseason interesting. After the emotional roller coaster of facing Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time in a Knicks jersey, the Wolves lost 115-110 to New York. But honestly, who cares about the end result? This game had more drama than the last season of Consequence.

Let's start with the obvious: Anthony Edwards. If anyone was disappointed to see KAT in Knicks blue and orange, Ant quickly flipped the script. He scored a game-high 31 points and shot an impressive 8-for-13 from distance. The man was on fire. This is the ant we all imagined when he took over as the face of the franchise.

Then there is Naz Reidwho had 15 points, looked every bit the offensive spark we've come to expect from him. But not everything was sunshine and rainbows. Jaden McDanielsthe guy we all hope makes the jump this season was quiet – way too quiet. Three points on five shot attempts is not enough. Unlocking McDaniels' offensive potential will be hugely important for this team, especially as it looks to fill the void left by Towns. Don't get me wrong, it's just a preseason game, but with Edwards and Reid on the rise, McDaniels needs to get involved if the Wolves want to take the next step. Hopefully we'll see a little more impact from him when the Wolves travel to Chicago.

Speaking of Chicago: The next game against the Bulls should be a real treat for Wolves fans. Why? Because Julius Randle finally makes his debut in a Minnesota jersey. I know, I know, we've all been hyped Dante DiVincenzo– and for good reason. The guy has been electric this preseason and has brought exactly the type of offensive power that this team was missing during their Western Conference Finals loss to Dallas. But let's not forget: Randle was the cornerstone of this blockbuster business. If the Wolves want to capitalize on their championship window, Randle will have to be a big part of it.

Randle was sidelined for the first three preseason games, but he is expected to start against the Bulls and this could be our first real glimpse of how he fits into the team's dynamic. With the Wolves having to adjust their schedule to accommodate the Minnesota Lynx's WNBA Finals, the Wolves have a back-to-back scenario with their final preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on October 17th. It's an unusual preseason scenario, and I can't imagine Chris Finch wanting to throw his stars into a situation like that just before the regular season. So, this game against the Bulls? This is likely Randle's only major preseason showcase.

With all the changes and excitement, one thing is for sure: Wolves fans can be optimistic. The team's preseason performances so far have been promising, and if Randle shines at full speed against the Bulls, anticipation for the regular season will be in full swing. Less than a week until the games start counting, folks! The countdown to October 22 against the Lakers is on and this game against Chicago, with all eyes on Randle, should be an entertaining one.