Timberwolves open season in Miami after mixed preseason

Minnesota finished its preseason 3-3 after losing 133-116 to Chicago, and will open the regular season Wednesday in Miami before hosting Toronto for its home opener. The preseason offered encouraging signs about the offense among the starters but raised questions about the bench; Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring, though his movement looked sluggish after offseason recovery from knee injuries. The season’s outlook also hinges on how the new backcourt fits with the returning core: optimistic projections see Edwards becoming a more efficient scorer and LaMelo Ball powering an elite offense, while concerns include Edwards’ health and off-ball adjustment, Ball’s defense and injury history, and whether Rudy Gobert is fully incorporated. Former coach Stan Van Gundy expects Minnesota to be a solid top-six Western Conference team rather than a contender, arguing the team will miss frontcourt production and depth lost in the offseason and that its offensive upgrades may not be enough to overcome established rivals.