The Wolves face off against the new-look Kings tonight in Sacramento. The Kings, of course, traded All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans on All-Star Sunday in a deal centered around Buddy Hield.
Despite the new look of players, Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau feels comfortable about knowing Sacramento’s personnel.
“You know the players. Buddy Hield, we’ve played against,” Thibodeau said after Monday’s shootaround. “Some of the young guys are getting a chance to play so you’ve studied them in college as well. And there’s no bad players in this league and you’ve got to be ready for everyone.”
One player who has gotten an expanded role with Cousins’ departure is second-year center Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley Stein has played in 35 and 28 minutes, respectively since the trade. In the team’s first game without Cousins, he finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
Per 36 minutes this season, he’s averaging 16.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
“He’s got a bigger role,” Thibodeau said. “Very athletic. Runs the floor well. Plays with good energy. “
The Kings go into the game with a 25-34 record, one game back from the Nuggets for the eighth seed. The Wolves are 23-36, three games back.
Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. at the Golden 1 Center. The game will air on Fox Sports North and WCCO 830-AM.