Timberwolves visit Nuggets in San Diego for a preseason tilt at Pechanga Arena, a quirky setting that fuels rivalry chatter. Minnesota aims to extend its recent edge, while Anthony Edwards logs a brief cameo and Jokic eases into action. Rookie Joan Beringer gets a baptism, with Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham pushing for map-worthy minutes.

A depth-focused showcase, it screens roster fits and fantasy upside as the regular season nears, with the San Diego setting adding a playful edge to Denver’s rotation questions.

Timberwolves push a faster transition to counter Oklahoma City’s elite defense, turning defensive stops into easy baskets. Training camp emphasizes gobert-to-conley outlets and sprinting Edwards, McDaniels, and Gobert to the corners to spread the floor. Edwards expects fewer double teams in transition, with bench help from Dillingham and Shannon Jr. The Pacers’ transition success provides a blueprint Minnesota aims to emulate, lifting its own transition opportunities and efficiency from last season.

If Minnesota can elevate pace without sacrificing half-court spacing, Edwards’ fantasy ceiling grows as he benefits from open looks and fewer crowded drives. Gobert anchors the outlet game, Conley acts as quarterback, and McDaniels’ length finishes more in transition. The plan hinges on habits—pushing tempo early, outlet passes, and a quicker ball-transport to unleash the Wolves’ athleticism.

In a Western Conference where pace can decide series, Minnesota chases a mid-pack-to-better transition profile, a critical step to matching or surpassing the Thunder’s disruptive mix of defense and pace. It’s a small chess move with outsized fantasy implications for Edwards, Gobert, and Conley as the season unfolds.

Five safest targets for 2025 fantasy basketball anchor rosters: Jokic dominates across points, rebounds, assists, and efficiency with exceptional durability. Edwards delivers high-volume scoring and multi-category impact. Sabonis posts consistent double-doubles with solid efficiency. Derrick White provides reliable multi-category production in a reshaped Boston lineup. Coby White offers a high floor and solid three-point volume in Chicago. These safe bets form a strong foundation.

The Minnesota Timberwolves roll into training camp with most of last season’s core in place, led by Anthony Edwards who champions real togetherness as the ceiling for a championship run. The camp theme centers on accountability, cohesion, and building on last year’s deep playoff push, while the front office stresses defensive improvements when Rudy Gobert sits and a growing role for young guards who could push for minutes.