Fans couldn’t have asked for a better opening day on the NBA preseason. While the opening game between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics offers a high-octane action, the next game has something more to offer. It delivers answers to so many questions. But, firstly, it may give the opportunity to witness the first-ever father-son duo on the court. Yes, we’re addressing the LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves match-up. Importantly, we can have the first glimpse of the LA franchise under JJ Redick’s leadership.

On the other hand, the Timberwolves are heading into a season without Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time in 9 seasons. So, it’s an interesting anticipation for the fans to know how Chris Finch operates his newly revamped Wolves’ offense. While Anthony Edwards still remains the core of the Minnesota side, tonight’s challenge will enable us to witness Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in new threads.

Notably, in an introductory press interaction, Randle said, “You want to be somewhere where you’re wanted. I feel wanted here. … Ultimately, yeah, I do want to be here.” While the former Knicks forward made a positive update on his new team, the only question that remains unanswered is whether he has completely recovered from the shoulder injury to take part in the opener.

Meanwhile, JJ Redick has assured that LeBron James and Anthony Davis will lace up for the weekend action, saying, “They’re going to play this weekend. But we’re still talking through what minutes and rotations look like for everybody.” Before you scratch your head, wondering about other stars’ availability, here’s the injury report.

Lakers vs Timberwolves: Injury report

In comparison with both teams, the Lakers have a longer injury list, missing out on plenty of players. Luckily, none of the core players seem to be missing the action. The team has one player Out and four players in the Questionable category. Christian Wood, the team’s backup center, sustained a left knee injury last season and missed the last two months of regular season action. Last month, Wood had a successful arthroscopic surgery on his knee and as part of his recovery, he is ruled out for the opener. It’s still doubtful whether the 29-year-old would play any of the six pre-season games.

Lakers’ players in questionable category: Christian Koloko, Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish, and Jordan Goodwin. Coming back to the Wolves’ franchise, the team has only two players on the list. However, both players, Julius Randle and Keita Bates-Diop are in the Questionable category opening up a probability to witness both players in action. Importantly, the Wolves are optimal that Randle would start the game. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at the predicted starting lineups.

Predicted starting line-ups

With a green signal from JJ Redick that both Bron and AD would take part in the game, here’s the unchanged starting lineup that went viral during the media day. The LA Lakers starting lineup: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis. Moreover, with four players out in the injury report, the team can get a glimpse of Bronny James in the rotation. Let’s take a closer look at the depth chart for further understanding.

The Lakers: Depth Chart

On the other hand, with Julius Randle in the Questionable category, the fans may not witness the much-awaited front-court union. Here is the predicted starting lineup: Mike Conley Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert. Let’s take a look at the depth chart to know where Donte DiVincenzo will find a spot in the rotation.

The Timberwolves: Depth Chart

Anthony Edwards certainly has a huge test in front of him to take on the Lakers without his trusted partner. The game is truly an answer to a lot of questions. Who do you think will start their campaign on a positive note? Let us know in the comments below.