Preseason Game Preview: New York Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves, October 13, 2024

In their third preseason game of the season, the New York Knicks (2-0) will host the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0) on Sunday evening. Although it’s a no-stakes affair, this game will not be without emotions. On the cusp of training camp, New York swapped Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for longtime Timberwolf Karl-Anthony Towns, a trade that took the NBA by surprise and made the Knicks even more of a championship contender.

Randle is still recovering from shoulder surgery and unlikely to play on Sunday, but DiVo and KAT will surely be playing for pride.

During the 2023-2024 campaign, DiVincenzo had a standout single-season in New York, scoring a career-high 40 points in one game and setting a franchise record with 283 three-pointers for the season. Donte’s playoff highlights included a game-winning three-pointer against the 76ers and a record nine three-pointers in a Game 7. Our jaws dropped when he was dealt, breaking up the Villanova quartet with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, but word is that Minnesota demanded he be included in the transaction for Towns.

KAT left a large footprint on the T’Wolves franchise before being traded to New York. Drafted first overall in 2015, he won Rookie of the Year and emerged as a top center, averaging 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds across 573 games. He was the first center to win the NBA Three-Point Contest, earned four NBA All-Star selections, and two All-NBA Team honors. He led the team to their first playoff series win in two decades and to the Western Conference Finals in the 2022-23 season. Count on tonight’s tilt—just his second as a Knick at MSG—to be special for him.

If budding superstar Anthony Edwards isn’t scratched for rest, look for him to lead the Wolves, along with point guard Mike Conley, small forward Jaden McDaniels, power forward Naz Reid, and center Rudy Gobert.

Watch out for bench players Rob Dillingham and Josh Minnot. A 19-year-old guard, Dillingham played a standout freshman season at Kentucky, averaging 15.2 points and 3.9 assists per game, earning SEC Sixth Man and Second Team All-SEC honors. Drafted eighth overall in this summer’s draft, Dillingham is an speedy scorer despite his small stature.

Minott hooped for the Memphis Tigers before being drafted 45th in 2022. Standing 6’8”, the small forward is still developing his NBA game but has shown potential and led the team in scoring as his squad beat the Lakers in their first preseason game.

On Friday night, the T’Wolves continued their strong preseason by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers on October 11, 2024, despite missing Rudy Gobert. They spoiled Paul George’s debut in Cream Cheese town, squandering his 23 points.

The Knicks haven’t played since Wednesday, in a dominant victory over the lowly Washington Wizards. Tonight’s opponent will not be such a pushover; in fact, they’ll be New York’s first real test of the preseason. This is still just a scrimmage and general sloppiness can be expected, but these are two of the NBA’s stingiest teams, so there should be some impressive defense on display. Ultimately, New York will take the dub by + 5.

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves
When: Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 6 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, NYC
Watch: MSG and ESPN
Follow: @ptknicksblog