In their third preseason game of the season, the New York Knicks (2-0) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0) on Sunday evening. Even though there are no stakes, this game will not be without emotions. Just before training camp, New York traded Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for longtime Timberwolf Karl-Anthony Towns, a trade that surprised the NBA and made the Knicks even more of a championship contender.

Randle is still recovering from shoulder surgery and likely won't play on Sunday, but DiVo and KAT will certainly play for pride.

During the 2023-2024 season, DiVincenzo had an outstanding individual season in New York, scoring a career-high 40 points in a game and setting a franchise record with 283 three-pointers that season. Donte's playoff highlights included a game-winning three-pointer against the 76ers and a record nine three-pointers in Game 7. Our jaws dropped when he was dealt and broke up the Villanova quartet of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. However, it is said that Minnesota demanded that he be included in the deal for Towns.

KAT left a large footprint on the T'Wolves franchise before being traded to New York. He was drafted first overall in 2015 and won Rookie of the Year and developed into a top center with averages of 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds in 573 games. He was the first center to win the NBA Three-Point Contest, received four NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA Team honors. He led the team to its first playoff series win in two decades and to the Western Conference Finals in the 2022-23 season. Expect tonight – only his second as a Knick with MSG – to be special for him.

When budding superstar Anthony Edwards doesn't need a break, look for him to lead the Wolves along with point guard Mike Conley, small forward Jaden McDaniels, power forward Naz Reid and center Rudy Gobert.

Watch out for backups Rob Dillingham and Josh Minnot. As a 19-year-old guard, Dillingham had an outstanding freshman season at Kentucky, averaging 15.2 points and 3.9 assists per game and earning SEC Sixth Man and Second Team All-SEC honors. Dillingham was drafted eighth overall in this summer's draft and is a fast scorer despite his small stature.

Minott played for the Memphis Tigers before being drafted 45th overall in 2022. The 6-foot-1 small forward is still developing his NBA game, but showed potential and led the team in scoring as his team defeated the Lakers in their first preseason game.

On Friday night, the T'Wolves continued their strong preseason by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers on October 11, 2024 despite missing Rudy Gobert. They spoiled Paul George's debut in Cream Cheese Town and squandered his 23 points.

The Knicks haven't played since Wednesday and earned a commanding victory over the weak Washington Wizards. Today's opponent won't be such a pushover; In fact, they will be New York's first real test of the preseason. This is still just a scrimmage and you can expect some general sloppiness, but these are two of the stingiest teams in the NBA, so some impressive defense should be on display. Ultimately, New York will take the dub at +5.

Game details

Who: New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
When: Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, NYC
Watch: MSG and ESPN
Follow: @ptknicksblog