5: Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at Oracle Arena on November 8th
The Golden State Warriors will get a taste of the new and improved Minnesota Timberwolves on November 8th when they face off for the first time in the new season.
From the new head coach of Tom Thibodeau to the acquisition of former Bulls star Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves look like the new, young and exciting team in the league. With up-and-coming star Andrew Wiggins on the other wing and big man Karl Anthony-Towns on the low block, they seem like a team that could give the Warriors problems.
With the defensive principles Thibodeau has instilled in his former Bulls teams, it would not be surprising if the T-Wolves are one of the best defensive teams in the league. The addition of Butler, one of the best wing defenders in the league should help them immensely when guarding the Warriors.
The matchups this game presents are intriguing with Butler switching off from Klay Thompson to Kevin Durant, Wiggins having to guard one of the two wings as well. Draymond Green having to wrestle down low with Towns is another intriguing matchup for the defending DPOY.
The Timberwolves have a couple players who could switch on many ball screens including Butler and Wiggins. The problem is that Butler is an incredibly elite defender and Wiggins is not, whereas the Warriors have Thompson, Durant, Green, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston to switch multiple positions on defense.
The game will be intriguing with the matchups and the first time the Warriors see the new-look Timberwolves.