Minnesota opens its NBA Cup schedule at Target Center against a Clippers team that has lost three in a row. The next night, the Wolves play in San Antonio, where their season ended last spring.
A Depleted Visitor
Friday's game against the Clippers counts in the Emirates NBA Cup, and Tyronn Lue arrives shorthanded. Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser are out. Rui Hachimura's left quadriceps makes him a game-time question. The Clippers are 1-3 and have lost three straight. Most of their offense runs through Darius Garland, who averages 21.5 points and 6.5 assists, with Keaton Wagler at 15.0 and Brook Lopez at 14.0. Their offensive rating is 104.9. Minnesota's defense allows 102.5 points per 100 possessions, and this is a night for that defense to settle the game early. The Wolves are 3-2 and eighth after losing by two in Cleveland and by five to Golden State.
The Second Night
Saturday in San Antonio is the game that matters most this week. It is the second half of a back-to-back, on the road, against the Spurs team that beat Minnesota 4-2 in last season's conference semifinals. The Spurs are also 3-2 and sit sixth, one spot within reach. Rudy Gobert is averaging 12.2 rebounds in 30 minutes, and Joan Beringer adds 7.6 in 15.6 minutes. On tired legs, Chris Finch may need more from the backup frontcourt than usual. A split on this back-to-back would be an honest result. Two wins would say this roster can hold its place without its best player.
Home, Then South
The Bucks visit Target Center on November 2. Then come road games in Houston on November 4 and New Orleans on November 6, with a day between each. Anthony Edwards is out after knee surgery, with a target date of December 21. Donte DiVincenzo is out with an Achilles injury and is not expected back before April 2. That puts the ball with LaMelo Ball, who averages 6.6 assists in 25.5 minutes, and Ayo Dosunmu, who is shooting 43.8 percent on threes. Off the court, The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski wrote that the Wolves will decline Cody Williams' option. He said the decision was about finances, not Williams' play. The option would have paid more than $6 million next season, and the payroll already sits at $215.3 million, above the first apron.
When is Anthony Edwards expected back for the Timberwolves?
Edwards is out after knee surgery, and his target return date is December 21. He will miss all five games this week.
Do the Timberwolves play a back-to-back this week?
Yes. They host the Clippers on October 30 and play at San Antonio on October 31.
