Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors drives on Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at ORACLE Arena on November 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors drives on Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at ORACLE Arena on November 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The defending back-to-back NBA champion, Golden State Warriors, are back in action tonight as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are in turmoil.

The champions will be without DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick McCaw. The Timberwolves will be without Jimmy Butler. However, let’s all remember this is still just a feel-out preseason game.

With preseason officially underway, it will be interesting to see if there is any hangover from winning the title this past summer. For some teams, there usually is.

Fans in attendance for tonight’s game will get a Draymond Green bobblehead.

Key things to watch for tonight:

1.) Is there any championship hangover  — Usually when teams when a title, they have some sort of hangover for a little bit. It’ll be interesting to see how the team handles that. If there is any, I am sure it will only last a quarter at least.

2.) Timberwolves state of mind — Everyone knows the drama surrounding the team. Will they leave all of that behind them, or will they have that drama come onto the court with them?

Projected starting lineup for the Warriors:

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Draymond Green
C: Damion Jones

The Golden State Warriors will be far from midseason form to start the season, but I’d expect a solid effort from the group. After a good media day and a short training camp, the core four seem ready to conquer the NBA yet again.

This is just one of five preseason games the Dubs will take part in.

Following their opener tonight, the Dubs will play the Kings, Suns and Lakers twice in that order.

While still preseason games, the Warriors verse Lakers will a game to watch. The very first, yet meaningless, game of a new-look Lakers team with LeBron James against the reigning NBA champs.

The Dubs should be able to work out all their quarks with these five preseason games. Hopefully, the fans get what they paid for and the Dubs put some effort into winning the game.

That said, let’s get pumped for the NBA being back in action!