It’s Monday night, Minnesota versus the Lions. And for one brief moment, you might do a double take. “Wait, are we talking football?” Nope. Not even close. This isn’t the NFC North. This is the NBA preseason, where logic takes a backseat, and we’re about to watch the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Guangzhou Loong-Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.
And honestly? I kind of love it.
Because after playing the same 29 NBA teams year after year, preseason exhibitions like this feel like basketball’s version of a vacation fling: brief, fun, and ultimately meaningless.
The Loong-Lions are wrapping up their three-game U.S. tour, and so far, it’s been a tough trip. San Antonio and the Clippers both treated them like the Washington Generals, putting on highlight reels that had the Lions looking like they were running in slow motion.
Now the Wolves have the chance to make it 0-for-3. And to be honest, they should. The Lions have never come away victorious when playing NBA-level.
Still, that doesn’t mean this game doesn’t matter. For Chris Finch and the Wolves, this is more like a live scrimmage with uniforms and TV cameras. You use a game like this to:
Tinker with small-ball lineups.
See if your rookies can handle real game pace.
And most importantly, avoid being that team. You know, the one that gives an international squad their “Miracle on Hardwood” moment.
No one in Minnesota wants to read “Loong-Lions Shock Wolves in Minneapolis” on ESPN’s bottom ticker.
How to Watch
FanDuel Sports Network North, the Wolves’ broadcast home for most games this season is showing the Wild game on Monday night. Bummer.
If you’re not already hooked up with FanDuel Sports Network, here’s your out: they’re offering a 30-day free trial right now. Seriously. You can catch a full month of Wolves games and bathe in the brilliance of when Jim Pete drops a story about guarding Karl Malone in 1993.
For those of you looking to catch the game, it appears the game will be available through NBA League Pass. Otherwise, KFAN FM, the Wolves App, and iHeart Radio are going to be your go-to options.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots the ball againts Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the second quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Final Thought
Let’s be honest. Preseason basketball is usually a slog. But there’s something wonderfully weird about nights like this. The Wolves playing a team from halfway across the world. A Monday crowd at Target Center getting to see something unique. And a chance, for 48 minutes, to remember that basketball really is the world’s game, even if one side’s world-class and the other’s… well, just world-traveled.
If the Wolves handle their business, it’s a good tune-up. If they somehow lose, we’ll be talking about it for years. Either way, that’s good preseason content.
So grab your popcorn, tune into the game, and let’s hope the Loong-Lions don’t turn this into their Rocky IV moment.