Pacers beat the Timberwolves 135-134

The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to Target Center for their preseason home opener against the Indiana Pacers, marking the first game in downtown Minneapolis since the Western Conference Finals in May. The Wolves had their full starting lineup available, except for Jaden McDaniels, who missed the game due to personal reasons. Naz Reid stepped in alongside big men Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.

The first half mirrored last season’s matchups against Indiana, with the Pacers thriving on ball movement and pace, hitting 21 of their first 33 shots for 57 points by mid-second quarter. Minnesota’s defense improved when Jaylen Clark entered, showing the energy that earned him minutes last season, though he sat out the second half with neck spasms. Anthony Edwards made his preseason debut, continuing his strong form from last season by scoring 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including two three-pointers and a smooth reverse layup.