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Scouting Report: Timberwolves at Pacers

Timberwolves at Pacers | 6:00 PM — Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Where to Watch: No TV

Where to Listen: No Radio

After a grueling week in Mankato and one practice back in Minneapolis, the Wolves will be put to their first test against the Indiana Pacers on the road.

It was noticeable at Monday’s practice at the Lifetime Practice Facility that these players were ready to play someone other than themselves. Head coach Flip Saunders said in Training Camp that the practices would be more as homework while the games will be tests for the players. This will indeed be the first test for two rookies that Wolves fans have their eyes on.

Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine will get their first action in an NBA game on Tuesday night, and there’s a chance that at least one of them could get the starting nod. Veteran shooting guard Kevin Martin will be sitting out do to a left adductor strain. This could mean Wiggins could fill in for Martin, although Saunders hasn’t revealed who could start at the shooting guard spot. Other candidates might be Chase Budinger or Mo Williams.

Unfortunately for Minnesota fans, there will not be a television for radio affiliate for the game.

Last Meeting





The two teams faced off twice last season and the Wolves were 1-1 against the Pacers. The last game came on February 19 at the Target Center and the Wolves came away with a 104-91 win. Kevin Love (now with Cavaliers) led Minnesota with 42 points and 16 rebounds. Corey Brewer and J.J. Barea each had 12 points, while Ronny Turiaf had 11, shooting 5-of-7 from the field. Dante Cunningham (free-agent) had 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Paul George led Indiana with 35 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 11-of-22 from the field, 3-of-6 from the three-point line and 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. George Hill added 13 points and six rebounds, while Lance Stephenson (now with Hornets) finished with 10 points and 10 boards.

This Week’s Results





This is the first preseason game for each team.

What To Watch: Thaddeus Young vs. David West

With all the talk of the young players on the team, we must not forget about some of the proven veterans. Young is one of those veterans. Last season with Philadelphia, Young averaged a career-high 17.9 points to go with six rebounds per game. In two games against Indiana, he had some pretty good success, averaging 24 points, six assists (most vs. any team) and 5.5 rebounds.

West is also a proven veteran in this league. The 11-year veteran has spent the last three seasons with Indiana. In 2013-14, West averaged 14 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. West played two games against Young and averaged 12 points and 10.5 boards per game.

In the regular season, this would probably be a more anticipated matchup, but it’s unknown how long each veteran will play. Especially for West. Indiana can’t afford to lose anymore veterans to injuries.

Injury Report

Wolves guard Kevin Martin (left adductor strain) will sit out. Anthony Bennett (right leg) will also be out. 

Pacers wing Paul George suffered a gruesome injury this summer player for Team USA and will likely miss the season. C.J. Watson (sore foot) is out, while Ian Mahinmi (shoulder) is questionable.

Probable Starters

Wolves: PG - Rubio, SG - Wiggins, SF - Brewer, PF - Young, C - Pekovic

Pacers: PG - Hill, SG - Stuckey, SF - Miles, PF -West, C - Hibbert