SB Nation • 4 min read

Preseason Game Preview: Knicks vs. Timberwolves, Oct. 9, 2025

The New York Knicks are back stateside after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in their two-game NBA Abu Dhabi 2025 preseason series at Etihad Arena.

New York opened with a 99–84 win on October 2, fueled

by Miles McBride’s 12 points off the bench and Mitchell Robinson’s 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns added 11 apiece. Then they completed the sweep with a 113–104 victory behind Brunson’s 14 points, OG Anunoby’s 13, and another burly outing from Mitch.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, meanwhile, are still sorting things out.

They split their first two preseason games, beating the Denver Nuggets 126–116 before falling to the Indiana Pacers 135–134 in overtime. The win over Denver, with stars Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Mike Conley resting, proved that the team has some depth. Bones Hyland led with 18 points, rookie Joan Beringer added 14, and Rob Dillingham handed out nine assists.

The home loss to Indiana was a different story. Despite strong showings from Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid, Minnesota’s defense faltered late. Eighteen players touched the hardwood in the loss.

The Wolves’ offense looks promising, but defensive lapses continue to be a soft spot. Tonight, their starting lineup is projected to be Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels (GTD), Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert.

On the Timberwolves injury report, Jaylen Clark, Joe Ingles, Jaden McDaniels, and Leonard Miller are all listed as game-time-decisions. For the Knicks, Josh Hart is listed as a GTD with back spasms.

When the two last squared off, on January 17 at MSG, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the New York Knicks 116–99. Anthony Edwards led the way with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, hitting eight threes. Naz Reid added 23 points and six threes, while Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 26 points and five assists. Tonight at the Garden, look for a scrappy effort from both teams with New York pulling ahead down the stretch.

Go Knicks.