The Minnesota Timberwolves are now even in preseason action, 1-1 following a five-point loss to the Indiana Pacers. Rick Adelman wanted to get a look at his second unit as well as the training camp invitees. As such, the starting lineup consisted of J.J. Barea (16 minutes), Brandon Roy (8 minutes), Derrick Williams (38 minutes), Kevin Love (12 minutes) and Nikola Pekovic (12 minutes). Luke Ridnour (back), Malcolm Lee (groin) and Andrei Kirilenko (DNP-CD) didn't play. Training camp invitees Phil Jones & Seth Tarver also didn't play (CD). For the Pacers, they got David West back (who didn't play on Wed. in Fargo), but were still without starting point guard George Hill and starting small forward Danny Granger, both missed Wednesday's game, too. Roy Hibbert also didn't play. Apparently he was healthy and would've been available to go, but they decided to give him the night off. Sounds like someone didn't want another beating from the MIGHTY PEK! :) Tyler Hansbrough, Luke Nevill, Blake Ahearn and Sundiata Gaines didn't play, either (all CD's). I only caught the second half of the game (I was working during the first half). So, I didn't see any of the starters in that first quarter. After one quarter the Wolves were down by a point, when the subs came in, in the second quarter the TWolves went on a tear, outscoring the Pacers bench 25-13. Giving the Wolves a 53-42 lead at the half. The Timberwolves were still up after three quarters (70-63) and seemed on their way to continuing their undefeated preseason. However a late push led by Paul George, Gerald Green, Ian Mahinmi and Miles Plumlee was part of a 33-point fourth quarter for the Pacers that netted them their first win of the preseason. Let's take a look at each team's top performers...
The team's seemed to reverse strategies between these two matchups. In the matchup in Fargo, the Timberwolves played their starters for 25+ minutes, while their bench saw some limited minutes. The matchup tonight in Indiana, the TWolves played their starters for one quarter and the second unit played the last three. As you can see, the TWolves got some great production from Williams, Budinger and Cunningham. Amundson also added 10pts and Alexey Shved & Will Conroy added 7pts apiece. Let's take a look at the team statistics...
The Pacers did a MUCH better job shooting the ball (up from 35% FG on Wed.) as well as not turning the ball over (down from 25 on Wed). Looking at the stats, the TWolves may actually have some shot-blockers this season! Last year we were led by Anthony Randolph at 1.0bpg and really that was about it! This season, my guess is Greg Stiemsma (to lead the team in blocks) but guys like Cunningham, Williams and Amundson will all contribute to those totals. What was Indiana's downfall on Wednesday was Minnesota's today. The Wolves turned the ball over 20 times for 29 opponent points. It's understandable when you're playing substitutions for the majority of the ball game. Also when you only have Will Conroy as your only backup point guard.
That's all for now, the TWolves are back in action tomorrow night vs. the Chicago Bulls. That game will tip at 7pmCT from the Target Center. We should have a full gameday preview of that one, shortly. Until then, thanks for reading HOWL and GO WOLVES!
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UPDATE (10/12 @11:05amCT): Luke Ridnour made the trip to Indiana, but won't play. His back is doing better, but he's decided to wait and see if he can play tomorrow (Saturday) vs. the Chicago Bulls. Malcolm Lee didn't make the trip to Indiana, he's still dealing with a groin injury, no word on whether he can/will play tomorrow vs. the Bulls. Ricky Rubio did make the trip to Indy, but don't get too excited, he's there for "moral support". With Luke & Malcolm out, expect J.J. Barea to start at point guard and Will Conroy to be the backup point guard. The Minnesota timberwolves are now 1-0 this (pre)season following Wednesday night's win over the Pacers at the FARGODOME. The Pacers were without three of their Top 4 players, which fueled an easy win for the TWolves. The Timberwolves may not have it as easy Friday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana. It's unknown if the Pacers will be at full-strength. Wednesday, they were without George Hill, Danny Granger and David West. In their place D.J. Augustin, Gerald Green and Tyler Hansbrough were the starters...which obviously left the Pacers bench a bit sparse on talent. Their second unit consisted of Blake Ahearn, Orlando Johnson, Sam Young, Jeff Pendergraph and Ian Mahinmi. Minnesota was also without three of their players. Ricky Rubio continues to rehab his knee. We of course won't see him at all during the preseason. He'll likely make his debut in late-December/early-January. Luke Ridnour didn't travel to Fargo either. He has been dealing with some back spasms the past couple days. Hopefully he'll be able to return on Friday, as of right now, I'm not sure. Stay tuned for an update before tipoff. If he's able to play, I assume he'll be the starting point guard (returning J.J. Barea to the bench). Lastly, Malcolm Lee has been dealing with some 'groin tightness' and didn't play Wednesday either. Because the Wolves were so short on point guards, J.J. Barea was in the starting lineup and Will Conroy was the main backup (playing 19 minutes). When Luke & Lee return you can expect those minutes to shrink considerably (if Conroy plays at all). Though, this is a prime example of why Conroy may make the team. With Rubio out for another couple months and questions as to whether Ridnour, Barea and Lee can stay healthy, Conroy will/could be an insurance policy. We should know shortly who will and won't be available for Friday's game. Being that whoever is on the plane heading for Indiana will be available to play. For the Pacers, it will likely be gametime decisions for Hill, Granger and West. The TWolves forced a lot of Pacer turnovers (25) and had Indiana shooting 35% from the field. I think you can expect a victory for the Wolves every time out if they force their opponents into those kinds of mistakes. I said it in the recap and I'll say it again! It was just plain fun to see the new-look Wolves take the floor! Seeing B-Roy, AK47 and Shved (among plenty of others: Budinger, Cunningham, Amundson and Stiemsma) play as well as seeing the improvement from returners Nikola Pekovic and Derrick Williams...the TWolves will become must-see TV, once again. Let's take a look at each's teams projected starting lineups (for what it's worth)...
The statistics listed are from Wednesday night's game. Hence the reason I put in the same starting lineups. You can expect Luke Ridnour to start in place of J.J. if he's able to go. George Hill to replace D.J., Danny Granger to replace Green and David West to replace Hansbrough.
I'm definitely hoping that Hill, Granger and West can play. It'll give the TWolves a look at one of the best (projected) team's in the Eastern Conference, heading into this season. I guarantee, if those guys play or even one or two of them, the Pacers aren't going to be blown out by 14. Tipoff is set for 6pmCT, Friday night at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana. A full gameday recap can be found following the final horn! Thanks for reading HOWL and GO WOLVES! TWolves WIN! TWolves WIN! Road to 89-0, still on track! Double WOO-HOO! Now that I've got my VERY irrational exuberance, out of the way, let's get to the gameday preview. The TWolves began their preseason 1-0 against the Indiana Pacers in North Dakota at the FARGODOME. An Indiana Pacers sqaud without three of their top four players. We've certainly learned some things about our new TWolves and all in all I had A LOT of fun watching all the newcomers take the court. The Pacers played without George Hill, Danny Granger and David West (three of their starters). D.J. Augustin started at point guard, Gerald Green at small forward and Tyler Hansbrough at power forward. Starting lineups: J.J. Barea, Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic vs. D.J. Augustin, Paul George, Gerald Green, Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert. Nikola Pekovic took it at Mr. Hibbert all night long and got him into foul trouble early in the thrid quarter, inevitably sending him to the bench for the night (w/5 fouls). We saw the debuts of newcomers: Alexey Shved, Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, Chase Budinger, Dante Cunningham, Louis Amundson and Greg Stiemsma. Some early impressions of the new guys? B-Roy can still ball! He was cutting and slicing inside, pulling up for jump shots and adds to those 'ball handlers' Adelman demanded this offseason. He can easily average double digits all season long (assuming he stays healthy). Alexey looked rather Rubio-esqe tonight...and no it wasn't just his hairstyle. He has some great court vision and knows court & passing angles. We didn't see his shooting touch tonight (0-4 FG), we soon will, though. Kirilenko had only three points, but his energy on both sides of the ball was apparent and he didn't pretty much everything else in this game. Kirilenko had 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. With scorers like Love, Pek & Roy on the squad--AK doesn't need to score. Bud also made his TWolves debut and did so QUITE WELL. Bud finished with 14 points on very effective shooting. Initially I wasn't a big fan of trading our first-rounder for him, but as time's gone on I've changed my stance on that and tonight put the final 'nail in the coffin' (however, I would check out Terrence Jones' stat line from tonight's game). Bud is just the kind of spot up/knock down shooter the TWolves need. I wasn't so impressed with Stiemsma. He had a couple of blocks that got me excited, but there were a lot of times, in the paint, that Greg seemed to be standing watching; instead of battling for a rebound or contesting a shot. I don't know if he's still hampered by that foot injury, but something looked off for him tonight. Lastly, Dante Cunningham & Louis Amundson. These two played together in the fourth quarter. I think you'll only see them on the court together if the Wolves are down or up big and it's 'garbage time'. Both are energy guys. Watching Dante, my first impression? He doesn't have the foot speed to play a whole lof of small forward, his main position will be as a backup four. Lou had a few boards and a putback, as well as coming VERY close to a highlight reel dunk. I also didn't realize how long his ponytail has gotten. Let's take a look at each team's top performers...
This would've been a completely different game had the Pacers been at full strength, but honestly, was this game about the W? No, it's the preseason, it may be important to some fans, but all in all I was just thrilled to see the TWolves back on the court. Sure, summer league was fun, but seeing Nikola Pekovic, Kevin Love & Co. take the court once more (with all those newcomers) was A LOT of fun. Let's get a look at the team stats...
The Pacers not only were three men down, but they also struggled shooting and holding onto the ball. 35% from the field and 25 team turnovers...ouch. The TWolves had a few lapses (as a team) on the defensive end, but we had heard all week that, that would be the biggest question mark heading into their first preseason action. Clearly the offense was solid, but the defense (while not terrible) should still be classified as a work-in-progress.
That's all for now, the TWolves are back in action Friday night. They'll face the Pacers in Indiana. We'll have a full gameday preview of that one either tomorrow night or Friday morning, so stay tuned for that! Until then, thanks for reading HOWL and GO WOLVES! UPDATE (10/9 @2:45amCT): The Timberwolves may be without Luke Ridnour for this game. Apparently Luke has been experiencing some back spasms that have caused him to miss a bit of practice recently and, as such, could cause him to watch from the sidelines come Wednesday. Adelman says Luke will definitely be limited (if he even plays). RA says that Alexey Shved will see more time at point guard in his absence. Adelman added that Shved's a 'natural two', so he's trying to get him to play more point guard to further balance out his game. Also, expect Kevin Love, Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko and Nikola Pekovic to see 'measured minutes' in this first preseason game as some of the more unproven guys (Chase Budinger, Derrick Williams, Alexey Shved) get more of a chance. AND WE'RE BACK! Glad to be back, too! The Minnesota Timberwolves begin their preseason action vs. the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday October 10th at the FARGODOME. The Pacers haven't gone through as much of a transformation as the Timberwolves did this offseason, however as last season's 3rd seed in the East, they really didn't have to. The Pacers kept their starting five intact, but made some moves to adjust their second unit. They signed former Charlotte Bobcat D.J. Augustin, they're also currently have a battle for their third-string point guard spot, between Blake Ahearn & Sundiata Gaines. They also signed former Timberwolf Gerald Green, he'll provide depth at both wing positions. The Pacers also made a bit of a head-scratching trade. Indiana sent Darren Collison & Dahntay Jones to the Mavericks for Ian Mahinmi. The strangest part about the whole trade? They could've signed Mahinmi outright as he was already an unrestricted free agent. Clearly was an opportunity to move Collison and make room for George Hill to be the full-time starting point guard--with D.J. off the bench. Lastly, the Pacers drafted big man Miles Plumlee and swingman Orlando Johnson. I watched a bit of the Pacers Summer League team and got a chance to see Plumlee & Johnson in action. In the couple games I saw, Johnson looked pretty good. He'll have a chance to grab that backup shooting guard position (ultimately it's either him or Lance Stephenson). Plumlee struggled a bit, but there were a number of plays where you could see that he belonged at the NBA-level. Hopefully he can take a cue from teammate Roy Hibbert on how to improve year-after-year. The Wolves were rumored to be interested in Plumlee. After they traded their 18th pick to the Houston Rockets (for Chase Budinger) they tried on draft night to trade their way back into the late first round to grab Plumlee. They were obviously unable to do so and Miles ended up being selected 26th overall by Indiana. I don't know how much he'll play, considering the other big men on the roster: David West, Tyler Hansbrough, Jeff Pendergraph, Roy Hibbert & Ian Mahinmi. I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to see this season's Minnesota Timberwolves take the court! With all the new additions: Alexey Shved, Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, Chase Budinger, Dante Cunningham, Lou Amundson and Greg Stiemsma, It's a completely different squad. Gone are all the knuckleheads that made some games nearly unbearable to watch (yeah, I'm talking about you: Michael Beasley, Darko Milicic, Anthony Randolph and Wesley Johnson). How these guys mesh together and what they're going to be able to do on the court...AH, I get pumped just thinking about it! Let's take a look at each team's probable starting lineups...
*=neither Roy or Kirlenko played in the NBA during the 2011-12 season, as such, the statistics listed above are from the 2010-11 NBA season, when Roy played for Portland and Kirilenko for Utah. The Pacers finished last season 42-24 in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season. They were the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference and lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Miami Heat in six games.
The Timberwolves finished last season 26-40 and missed the playoffs for the 8th consecutive seasons. They also won just one of their last fourteen games. Thanks in large part to insurmountable injuries to key players, such as: Ricky Rubio (missed 25 games), Luke Ridnour (missed 13 games), J.J. Barea (missed 25 games), Malcom Lee (missed 47 games), Michael Beasley (missed 19 games), Martell Webster (missed 19 games), Kevin Love (missed 11 games), Nikola Pekovic (missed 19 games) and Darko Milicic (missed 37 games). The depth is noticeably better, but there are still far too many question marks to declare this team postseason-bound. Though falling short of that goal, would certainly be seen as failure by nearly everyone who knows at least a little about the NBA. We don't know for sure when Ricky will return to court...and then of course, when he can return to the form that had him in contention for the Rookie of the Year. Then there's the question of Brandon Roy's knees, whether they can hold up over the rigors of an 82-game regular season. Adelman has said he won't play Roy in the back-to-back preseason games. Roy says he expects to play back-to-backs during the regular season, though. There are two Timberwolves I'm REALLY excited to see on the floor. Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved. Can AK47 really become the team's defensive anchor and instantly make this team better. From the stat line above, you can clearly see the guy does of bit of everything and does so pretty well. Shved is a long-range shooter combo guard who will find the majority of his minutes backing up Roy. Can you imagine when we get to see a Rubio-Shved backcourt?! December can't come soon enough! My projection for this matchup? The Wolves match up well at every position with the Pacers. Ridnour vs. Hill, Roy vs. George, AK47 vs. Granger, Love vs. West and Pek vs. Hibbert. I'm a little worried about Roy vs. the 6'10" George and maybe a little about 6'11" Pek vs. 7'2" Hibbert...but let's be honest, Pek will destroy him! All right, I think I've rambled on enough. I could probably do this for another thousand words, or so. The Wolves-Pacers tips at 7pmCT on Wednesday October 10th. That's all for now, thanks for reading HOWL and GO WOLVES! |
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