si
As the preseason draws to a close, the Minnesota Timberwolves have displayed flashes of their offensive capabilities but still have areas to refine before the regular season tips off. Friday's exhibition against the Chicago Bulls provides one last chance for the team to jell and for younger players to make their case for rotation minutes.
1. Edwards and Ball: Building Backcourt Chemistry
The partnership between Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball has been a focal point throughout the preseason. Both guards possess the ability to create their own shot, penetrate, and set up teammates, giving Minnesota a dynamic offensive duo. The challenge lies in balancing their individual talents: Edwards thrives when attacking one-on-one and applying pressure, while Ball's playmaking can ignite the entire offense. When Ball pushes the tempo and finds open teammates, the Timberwolves become a much tougher team to defend. However, the two don't need to force-feed each other; instead, their individual strengths can open opportunities for others, particularly Jaden McDaniels, as opposing defenses may assign weaker defenders to him due to the attention drawn by the backcourt. Friday's game will reveal how naturally these responsibilities are developing, and as the regular season nears, Minnesota needs its guards to recognize when to take over and when to distribute.
2. Jonathan Kuminga's Opportunity to Shine
Jonathan Kuminga remains an intriguing prospect as he carves out his role in Minnesota's rotation. His blend of athleticism, strength, and ability to attack the rim is a rare commodity for the Timberwolves, offering additional offensive flexibility, especially when the backcourt needs scoring support. In a recent matchup against Detroit, Kuminga showcased his potential with 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting, along with three assists and four rebounds—an efficient all-around performance in limited minutes that stood out in an otherwise tough game. His defensive effort will also be under scrutiny; Kuminga has the physical tools to guard multiple positions, and consistent intensity on that end could earn him a larger role. With several players capable of scoring, the ability to contribute in other areas is especially valuable. Friday's preseason finale gives Kuminga another chance to demonstrate how he can help beyond just putting the ball in the basket.
3. Containing Chicago's Offensive Firepower
The Bulls enter Friday's matchup riding the momentum of a 125-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Matas Buzelis paced Chicago with 19 points, while former Timberwolf Leonard Miller added 18 off the bench—an exciting glimpse of what Miller can do with meaningful rotation minutes. Josh Giddey also chipped in nine assists, and his playmaking is a critical component of Chicago's offense. If Minnesota allows Giddey to dictate the pace, the Bulls can generate quality looks without relying on a single scorer. Buzelis is another threat; the young forward can score from the perimeter and contribute defensively, and his shooting and athleticism could cause problems if given too much space. This game serves as a valuable test for the Wolves' defense before the regular season, as Chicago boasts multiple scoring options, and limiting them will require a collective effort.
Get Timberwolves On SI straight to your inbox: sign up for our free newsletter here.