The Timberwolves arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Tuesday in preparation for the team’s exhibition matchup with the Detroit Pistons tonight at the MTS Centre.
When the two teams square off at 7 p.m., they’ll take part in the second game of the NBA’s inaugural Canada Series. The first took place on Oct. 19 when the Knicks and Raptors faced off in Montreal. The Wolves’ trip to Winnipeg includes participating in an NBA Cares court renovation and kids camp at the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre, coaches clinics and a postgame reception.
On the court, the Wolves will look to get back on track after a loss on Friday in Chicago.
When Minnesota faced the Bulls it was their first matchup since learning Kevin Love would miss 6-8 weeks with a broken right hand. They were also missing center Nikola Pekovic due to a hand injury, and with an adjusted front court the Wolves had trouble with the Bulls’ physicality in a 92-81 loss at the United Center. Including tonight’s Pistons game, the Wolves have two preseason matchups left before their regular season opener against Sacramento on Nov. 2.
The Pistons enter the contest with a 3-3 record having picked up wins against Toronto, Orlando and Charlotte. Their last game was an 85-80 win over the Bobcats at the Palace of Auburn Hills, when Rodney Stuckey led the way with 16 points and Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe each chipped in 15. Detroit won despite shooting 5-of-20 from 3-point range and 24-of-32 from the free-throw line.
The Wolves continue to get healthy after battling injuries this preseason, and this week Adelman said guard Luke Ridnour looked good during his time on the practice court. On Tuesday, Adelman said both Ridnour and Pekovic are expected to play against the Pistons.
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