Timberwolves face final preseason test at Chicago tonight

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves will conclude their six-game preseason schedule Friday night at Chicago without Ayo Dosunmu, while coach Chris Finch gets one final opportunity to evaluate a rebuilt lineup that has demonstrated considerable offensive potential but remains vulnerable defensively.

Dosunmu, acquired from Chicago in February and signed to a five-year, $112 million contract during the offseason, will not travel with Minnesota for the 7 p.m. game at United Center. The 26-year-old guard is being held out for rest rather than an injury and is expected to be available for Wednesday's regular-season opener at Miami.

The decision eliminates what would have been Dosunmu's first appearance against his former team. The Chicago native spent his first four-plus NBA seasons with the Bulls before Minnesota acquired him in a February trade involving Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and draft picks.

Minnesota (3-2) enters its exhibition finale following Wednesday's 128-106 loss to Detroit at Target Center. Friday's matchup represents their final opportunity to address defensive problems before the regular season begins Oct. 21.

The Detroit loss exposed several concerns for a Minnesota team attempting to integrate LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga into a rotation built around Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

Minnesota scored 38 first-quarter points and led Detroit by nine before surrendering 99 points over the final three periods. The Pistons shot 57% from the field, scored 64 points in the paint and held the Timberwolves to 38.2% shooting.

Detroit center Jalen Duren scored 24 points in just 15 minutes, making eight of nine field-goal attempts and all eight free throws. The Pistons also received 15 points from Duncan Robinson and 14 points and nine assists from Cade Cunningham.

Edwards led Minnesota with 20 points but made only five of 15 shots, including one of five from 3-point range. He converted all nine free throws but committed four turnovers as the Timberwolves struggled against Detroit's defensive pressure.

Kuminga provided Minnesota's most efficient offensive performance, scoring 16 points on five-of-six shooting, including two 3-pointers. He added four rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes, offering further evidence that his athleticism and offensive versatility could become important components of Finch's rotation.

Ball finished with three points and six assists in 18 minutes. The former Charlotte Hornets guard made one of five shots and committed three turnovers as Minnesota continued experimenting with its new backcourt combinations.

The contrast between Minnesota's first-quarter execution and its subsequent offensive breakdown illustrated the challenge facing Finch. The Timberwolves have demonstrated an ability to score quickly with Edwards and Ball directing the attack, but maintaining efficiency against physical defenses remains an unresolved issue.

Minnesota committed 20 turnovers against Detroit and was outrebounded 45-34. Gobert finished with eight points and four rebounds in 22 minutes, while rookie center Joan Beringer contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.

The performance followed a considerably stronger showing Monday at New York, where Minnesota defeated the defending NBA champion Knicks 122-104. Edwards scored 20 points, and the Timberwolves demonstrated better offensive balance while improving to 3-1 in preseason play.

Friday's opponent presents a different challenge.

Chicago (2-2) is coming off a 125-104 victory Wednesday at Milwaukee. Matas Buzelis scored 19 points for the Bulls, who are developing a younger roster around Josh Giddey and several offseason additions.

Giddey, a 6-foot-7 guard, gives Chicago a playmaker capable of creating opportunities for Buzelis and rookie forward Caleb Wilson. The Bulls also added veteran perimeter scoring during an offseason that included significant changes to their roster.

Minnesota's defensive assignments against Chicago's younger forwards should provide another evaluation of the team's ability to contain penetration and protect the basket. The Timberwolves struggled in both areas against Detroit, particularly after their productive opening quarter.

Finch also must continue determining how Ball, Edwards and Kuminga function together offensively. Ball's passing creates opportunities for Edwards away from the ball, while Kuminga provides another option attacking the basket and finishing in transition.

Dosunmu's absence Friday creates additional opportunities for Minnesota's reserve guards. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Bones Hyland are among the players who could receive additional minutes as the coaching staff evaluates its backcourt depth.

Donte DiVincenzo remains sidelined while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon sustained during last season's playoffs. His absence increases the importance of Minnesota's other perimeter players as the regular season approaches.

The Timberwolves will have four days between Friday's exhibition and Wednesday's opener against Miami. They also visit Orlando on Oct. 23 before returning to Target Center for their home opener against Toronto on Oct. 25.

Minnesota has reached the Western Conference finals in recent seasons, establishing expectations that extend well beyond simply qualifying for the playoffs. The additions of Ball and Kuminga represent significant changes to a roster that already features one of the NBA's premier young scorers in Edwards.

The final preseason game will not determine whether those changes succeed. It should, however, provide another indication of how quickly Minnesota can develop the defensive consistency and offensive chemistry necessary to compete against the Western Conference's strongest teams.

Timberwolves upcoming schedule

All times Central.

The Timberwolves open the regular season with two road games before hosting Toronto. Their first eight days include five games, with the Oct. 30 matchup against the Clippers also serving as Minnesota's opening NBA Cup group-play contest.