The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves to make their preseason debut against an NBA team. Both teams are 1-for-0 since the preseason began. Also, this game is a chance for the Philadelphia 76ers to finalize their first and second units in the absence of their star players. What should we expect from both teams?
What To Expect From the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers played against the New Zealand Breakers at Wells Fargo Center to kick off their preseason slate. Also, the home team obliterated the Breakers winning by a 55-point margin (139-84). Though the New Zealand Breakers weren’t a strong team, that could illustrate what the Philadelphia 76ers could do against weaker teams.
The starting lineup against the Breakers featured Tyrese Maxey, Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Eric Gordon. Since Joel Embiid won’t be available against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the starting lineup should feature Tyrese Maxey, Guerschon Yabusele, Andre Drummond, Ricky Council IV, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Also, Paul George could play as he aspires to make his debut for the team.
76ers Team Review
The most efficient players against the Breakers were Maxey, Yabusele, and Council IV. Maxey finished with 15 points with 71.4% from the field and 80% from deep. Yabusele finished with 15 points going 6-for-6 in the field and one three-pointer. Coach Nick Nurse gave Council IV more minutes to perform. After the game, the 23-year-old guard scored 13 points while going 5-for-5 from the field with one shot from downtown. Just like in the 2024 Summer League, Council IV was always the first or second-best player.
Aside from Council IV, Jared McCain had more minutes on the court to display what he can offer. From a rookie standpoint, he played well. His catch-and-shoot abilities were smooth against the Breakers. Thus, he should get more minutes against the Wolves.
Yabusele should make the starting lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers. Martin and Yabusele had similar minutes on the court against the Breakers. Yet, Yabusele made most of his time on the court with his size as an advantage. Also, the Frenchman did well as a backup five for the Sixers. Andre Drummond shocked Philly fans with his three-point attempt from the corner. That could also happen again against the Wolves.
What To Expect From the Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves started their preseason against the Los Angeles Lakers. After defeating the Lakers, it seems the Wolves will do well without Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wolves traded KAT for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks. With this addition, the Wolves should be competitive enough with Anthony Edwards.
In the last five meetings between the Sixers and Wolves, the Sixers came out on top. The possible lineup for the Timberwolves includes Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels. Against the Lakers, the Wolves mainly used their second-unit players, who played well, with Josh Minott as their top scorer with 22 points. He should get more minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers to determine how well he will thrive on the Wolves roster.
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