What happened: Minnesota's opener is set for Oct. 21, giving the Timberwolves a firm date for the start of 2026-27. The club has already spent part of September on offseason work ahead of the new campaign.
Why it matters: That timeline matters because Minnesota is carrying offseason changes into camp and preseason. The next month will shape how much continuity the Timberwolves can establish before opening night.
By the numbers: Opening night is 36 days away, leaving Minnesota a little more than five weeks before the regular season begins.
What to watch: Watch for training-camp dates and preseason rotation clues as Oct. 21 approaches. Minnesota's next meaningful updates should come once formal camp work begins.