**Minnesota Timberwolves at Guangzhou Loong-Lions**
**Date:** October 13th, 2025
**Time:** 7:00 PM CDT
**Location:** Target Center
**Television Coverage:** NBA League Pass
**Radio Coverage:** KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio
After back-to-back overtime losses, the 1-2 Timberwolves get a chance to “right the ship” Monday night when the Guangzhou Loong-Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association make their third and final stop on their U.S. tour. So far for thee Lions, it’s trip that’s gone about as well as a “Shark Tank” pitch for Fyre Festival 2.0.
The Lions have been _torched_ on this trip. The Spurs ran them out of the gym. The Clippers toyed with them. And now, they face a Timberwolves squad that could use a confidence boost and a reminder that basketball can still be fun. This isn’t just a game. It’s a palate cleanser. A live-action scrimmage dressed up as an international exhibition.
Let’s not kid ourselves. The Wolves _should_ win this game by double digits before the first quarter ends. The Loong-Lions have played five games against NBA competition and lost all five — none by fewer than 29 points. Their defensive schemes make the All-Star Game look like 2004 Pistons basketball.
So, yeah, the Wolves will probably score 130. The real question is who gets the highlight reel treatment. Maybe Terrence Shannon Jr. drops 50. Maybe Naz Reid throws down a dunk so vicious that the Target Center crowd forgets it’s October.
But this isn’t about the scoreboard. This is about reps, rhythm, and roster clarity.
The biggest storyline of the night isn’t Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle. It’s Rob Dillingham.
You don’t trade up for the No. 8 pick, position him as Mike Conley Jr.’s heir apparent, and then let him fade into preseason anonymity. After an up-and-down rookie year and a summer league that could charitably be described as “educational,” the fanbase is antsy. Dillingham has to show something — poise, pace, a glimmer of control.
If he can’t shine against a CBA team, that’s a red flag the size of the Target Center scoreboard.
And let’s be honest, the Wolves’ backup point guard situation is about as stable as a Jenga tower in an earthquake. Bones Hyland has been fun in spurts, but those spurts have mostly come against guys who’ll be suiting up for the G League by Thanksgiving. The Wolves need a second guard who can organize, defend, and not immediately turn into a pumpkin when Conley sits.
That’s not a small ask. But hey, that’s what games like this are for.
This also has “Terrence Shannon Jr. breakout” written all over it. He’s the kind of high-motor wing who thrives in these track-meet exhibitions. The Lions couldn’t stop a pick-and-roll with duct tape, so if Finch decides to limit minutes for the stars, Shannon could be the one putting up All-Star numbers.
There’s always that one preseason game where a role player explodes and everyone pretends we’ve just witnessed a future starter being born. Maybe this is that night.
From the NBA’s perspective, this is part goodwill tour, part brand expansion. Anthony Edwards already has a budding fanbase in China, and this game just amplifies it. The league loves this stuff. “Basketball without borders,” “global game,” “expanding markets,” you name it.
And honestly? It’s fine. It’s preseason. The Wolves could use a low-stakes night to get their mojo back and remind everyone that they’re more than just a “Western Conference Finals hangover” team.
Just don’t lose. Seriously. _Do not lose this game._ You can shrug off back-to-back overtime losses to Eastern Conference Finalists, but if the Timberwolves become the first NBA team to lose to the Loong-Lions? Every bar in Minneapolis is going to sound like a funeral for optimism.
Expect a few fireworks, a lot of running, and plenty of highlight fodder for the Wolves’ social team. This game won’t tell us much about the upcoming season, but it might just calm some nerves, and maybe give us a glimpse at whether Dillingham is ready to take that next step.
This one’s not about standings. It’s about vibes, auditions, and maybe a few poster dunks. Think of it as basketball comfort food — no pressure, just entertainment. Enjoy!
See More:
* [Timberwolves Game Previews](/timberwolves-game-previews)