They say timing is everything and tonight, Cleveland is the center of the sports universe.
GAMEDAY! Our mission to #DefendTheLand begins tonight at 7:30 ET with #CavsKnicks.#CavsOpener PREVIEW: https://t.co/oFEk7aDWu8 pic.twitter.com/ye3KnFtc8F
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 25, 2016
The NBA’s 71st season begins at the same time as Game 1 of the World Series in Cleveland. The NBA champion Cavaliers host the New York Knicks and next door at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs play ball. Both events will play out on national television.
For the Timberwolves, they tip-off their season in Memphis on Wednesday amid great expectations. Basketball insiders are captivated by the Wolves’ possibilities and for that reason, this new-look team is getting its share of national publicity.
USA Today Sports’ Sam Amick says the publicity is justified because head coach Tom Thibodeau brings high expectations.
Thibodeau has a roster stocked with young talent – Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins, none of whom are older than 21 – that appears ready to end Minnesota’s long 12-year playoff drought.
As The Vertical explains, Thibodeau has high expectations and he expects great leadership from his youngsters.
“Just talking to us about being leaders,” Wiggins explained to The Vertical. “He’s (Thibs) always talking to us about that.”
Amick added that Towns will be an MVP candidate “sooner rather than later.”
Timberwolves' defense showing improvements under Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
READ: https://t.co/oILN7C90LN pic.twitter.com/ZY07C7hMGa
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 24, 2016
It’s at least an 82-game marathon for the Wolves. They’ll return home to face Memphis next Tuesday at Target Center.
