Guangzhou Loong-Lions vs Minnesota Timberwolves

The game between the Guangzhou Loong-Lions and the Minnesota Timberwolves was scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It served as part of the NBA preseason calendar, allowing the Timberwolves to test rotations and integrate new players before the start of the regular season. Tip-off was set for the evening, with local fans eager to see how Minnesota’s young talent would perform against the visiting Chinese Basketball Association team. The matchup also drew international attention due to its cross-league nature, representing a bridge between the NBA and CBA basketball cultures.

Minnesota entered the contest with a few players unavailable or listed as game-time decisions. Jaden McDaniels was managing an ankle issue, Joe Ingles was out with a groin strain, and veteran guard Mike Conley was rested for precautionary reasons. Leonard Miller missed the game due to a finger laceration, while Jaylen Clark was dealing with a neck concern. The Timberwolves’ lineup adjustments opened opportunities for bench players and rookies to earn minutes. On the Guangzhou side, the roster was nearly at full strength, with no major injuries reported before tip-off, allowing them to field their regular rotation.

From a tactical standpoint, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was expected to treat this game as an experimental session. He planned to test new offensive sets, particularly around pick-and-roll execution, and assess chemistry between starting and reserve units. The emphasis was on ball movement, spacing, and pace control, with a focus on defensive discipline even in a lower-stakes preseason environment. For the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, the challenge was immense. Their strategy revolved around relying on experienced players like Victor Oladipo and Frank Kaminsky to lead offensively and keep the tempo manageable against Minnesota’s deeper and more athletic roster.

Media outlets previewing the game framed it as a clear test of depth rather than a competitive clash. The Timberwolves were heavily favored due to their home advantage and superior talent. However, journalists highlighted the importance of observing how Minnesota’s rookies, such as Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., would handle extended minutes. Press discussions also pointed out that Guangzhou had struggled in previous exhibition matchups during their U.S. tour, often falling behind early. The broader narrative focused less on the final score and more on how both teams could benefit from the international exposure and the developmental opportunities it offered.

In pregame studio discussions, analysts emphasized the Timberwolves’ focus on rhythm and conditioning. They debated how Finch would distribute minutes among young players and how well Minnesota’s defense could maintain its structure with several absences. Many predicted the Timberwolves would dominate inside the paint and control the pace through fast breaks and transition play. Analysts also discussed Guangzhou’s effort level, suggesting their main objective was to compete with intensity and gain experience against NBA-level opposition. Overall, the consensus was that Minnesota’s depth and physicality would likely determine the flow of the game, while the Loong-Lions aimed to showcase their progress and adaptability on an international stage.