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Everything we learned about the Timberwolves in the key game against Chicago

The Bulls defeated the Timberwolves 125-123 in Chicago on Wednesday evening. It was just a preseason game, but it was the only time Minnesota’s starters were on the floor together before next week’s regular season opener against the Lakers. Let’s go through some thoughts from the game…

Randle had five points, four assists and three rebounds in his first quarter of action with the Wolves, and Minnesota wasted no time in giving him plenty of points. He was on the field at 11:05 of the first quarter. He finished the first half with seven points, five assists and five rebounds in 18 minutes. Randle played most of the first eight minutes of the third quarter, leaving the game with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes.

Edwards made eight three-point shots in the preseason game against Philly and he followed with thirteen shots from three-point land against the Knicks. He had 10 attempts from 3 in the first half against the Bulls and he finished the game with 16 triples, although he only made three. Edwards has made it clear that he has worked tirelessly on his three-point shot since last season, and it is clear that he plans to launch from deep regularly in 2024-2025.

Ultimately, Edwards played 30 minutes and finished with 16 points on 6-of-23 shooting.

The starters played the first six minutes before Donte DiVincenzo checked in for Mike Conley. Gobert checked out with about five minutes left in the quarter and was replaced by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Josh Minott replaced Jaden McDaniels with just over three minutes left in the quarter, although that would likely be Naz Reid’s role if he were healthy. Randle played the first eleven minutes and Edwards played the entire first quarter.

In total, Minnesota used 10 different lineup combinations in the first half and it was notable that they regularly played three-guard lineups with combinations with Conley, Edwards, DiVincenzo and Alexander-Walker. That should be a telltale sign that three-guard lineups will be the norm during the regular season.

Minnesota’s starting five played the first 7-8 minutes of the third quarter before checking out for the remainder of the evening.

Minnesota’s standout rookies didn’t play in the first, second or third quarters. In fact, they didn’t get into the game until just over five minutes remained in the fourth quarter.

That should be a good indication that the rookies won’t get much playing time, at least not early in the season, unless Minnesota is on either side of a blowout. Others to put in that group of players who probably won’t get many points based on who played Wednesday are Luka Garza and PJ Dozier.

Guys who will certainly not or hardly play are Jaylen Clark, Leonard Miller, Daishen Nix, Jesse Edwards, Keita Bates-Diop and Eugene Omoruyi. None of them hit the floor against the Bulls.