The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets will both draw the curtain on their respective preparations for the 2024-25 NBA campaign with a pre-season matchup at the Target Center on Friday.
Both teams were beaten in their most recent outings heading into this one, as the Timberwolves fell to a defeat against the Chicago Bulls, while the Nuggets came up well short against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Match preview
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In search of an instant return to winning ways following a loss to the New York Knicks, the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a 125-123 defeat against the Bulls in Friday's thrilling affair at the United Center.
After conceding a pair of three-pointers to start the game, Chris Finch's men recovered to win the opening quarter, but a disastrous second quarter saw them go into half time down by 13 points, although they did manage to tie the game with 38 seconds left, only for Jevon Carter to settle matters with four points in the final 20 seconds.
Since kicking off their pre-season involvement with back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Timberwolves have now been beaten in consecutive warm-up outings and will now set out to get themselves back on track.
Friday's encounter will see them face off against a Denver Nuggets side who they defeated in the second round of last season's playoffs courtesy of a 4-3 series defeat before losing out to the Dallas Mavericks in the conference finals.
Minnesota's playoff exploits last time out have raised expectations for the new season, and it will be interesting to see how they fare after the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns, who had been at the franchise since 2015.
Following the close of action on Friday, the Timberwolves will take to the court next for their season opener on Wednesday when they visit the Crypto.com Arena to navigate the challenge of the Lakers.
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The Denver Nuggets saw their pre-season journey go from bad to worse after yet another defeat last time out courtesy of a 124-94 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wednesday's meeting at the Ball Arena.
Michael Malone's men just could not keep up with their opponents' excellent three-point shooting as they were outscored 17 to 10 from beyond the arc which formed the bedrock for a 30-point blowout win.
In keeping with their opening three games, that was a fourth straight pre-season defeat for the Nuggets, who are in need of an urgent pick-me-up heading into their final exhibition encounter against the Timberwolves on Friday.
The Nuggets will have the opportunity to avenge their humiliating defeat to the Thunder when the sides lock horns in next Saturday's curtain-raiser, but the immediate focus will be on Friday's encounter.
Despite enduring a rough pre-season campaign so far, a return to winning ways for last season's number-two seed in the West in their final warm-up fixture could be the catalyst for a strong start to the upcoming NBA season.
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Team News
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Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic were given a rest in the Nuggets' most recent outing, and both men are expected to return to the hardwood on Friday.
This should see American duo Julian Strawther and Zeke Nnaji drop to the bench off the back of rare starting appearances against the Thunder last time out.
Jamal Murray (knee) and Payton Watson (hamstring) are still injury doubts for Friday's game, but the former is likely to be back for his side's opening fixture of the regular season.
Trade acquisition Julius Randle made his debut for the Timberwolves against the Bulls, tallying 15 points, six rebounds and five assists on 6-12 shooting in his 26 minutes on the court.
Veteran guard Mike Conley should feature once again after returning to action time out, but last season's Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid is still dealing with a shoulder impingement and could miss out.
Minnesota Timberwolves possible starting five:
Conley, Edwards; McDaniels, Randle; Gobert
Denver Nuggets possible starting five:
Westbrook, Braun; Porter Jr. Gordon; Jokic
We say: Timberwolves to win by 6+ points
Both teams served up an enthralling second-round playoff series last time out, and while Friday's meeting is of significantly less importance, we still expect an exciting watch nonetheless.
That said, we are backing the Timberwolves to defend home court and heap more misery on their struggling visitors.
