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Raptors vs. Timberwolves Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info, and more

Toronto is looking for its fifth straight win. Minnesota is looking for a little peace of mind. Who will come out on top? Let’s watch.

By Daniel Reynolds
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Toronto Raptors John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s indeed possible to feel sympathy for the Minnesota Timberwolves. As Raptors fans, we’ve heard versions of their story before — troubled management, a beleaguered coach, a disgruntled star, an underachieving franchise. Yes, we know what that feels like.

Now that the Raptors are, if not the toast of the league then at least invited to the fancy dinner party, I’ll be honest: I no longer want to relate to these other snake-bitten teams. An association now with, sure, the Timberwolves brings to mind only those aforementioned painful memories. As Kawhi Leonard said when he was introduced to Toronto: we’re looking to today and the future now — living in the present, and only gazing ahead.

Toronto is once again almost at full strength tonight, with Delon Wright returning to action but Fred VanVleet now sitting out. The former has been eased back after some thigh trouble, the latter is apparently grappling with a toe issue. (Coach Nick Nurse called it turf toe before amending the diagnosis as “a toe issue.”)

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will never be at full strength. Especially not tonight, as Andrew Wiggins sits out with a right quad contusion, but really, spiritually, not ever, as Jimmy Butler wages war on his team’s psyche. He has his reasons to be upset, of course — the Wolves certainly don’t look like they’re “getting it” as of yet — but the tenor around the team, top to bottom, is poisonous.

If we Raptors fans have learned anything, it’s how to identify when it’s time to move on.

In any case, here’s Michael Rouleau with the full Raptors-Timberwolves preview from this morning. We’ve got your updated details below. Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

TSN, 7:30pm (EST)

Lineups:

Raptors - Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka

Timberwolves - Jeff Teague, Josh Okogie, Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, Taj Gibson

Injuries:

Raptors - Fred VanVleet (out, left big toe sprain)

Timberwolves - Andrew Wiggins (out, right quad contusion)

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