1. We’re feeling Minnesota: Trivia question for you: When was the last time the Timberwolves started a season 4-0? Another such beginning could be in the cards for reigning West Player of the Week Karl-Anthony Towns and the Wolves tonight against the (similarly) 3-0 Philadelphia 76ers (7 PM ET, League Pass). This one will be a must-watch if for no other reason than to watch Towns and Joel Embiid show off their rim-protecting skills.
2. Trying to gain ground in East: The Nets and Pacers were considered preseason favorites to at least be in the playoff mix. Yet both sport losing records (Brooklyn is 1-2 and the Pacers are 0-3) and things are looking particularly dire for Indiana. The Pacers have one of the NBA’s worst defenses and a loss tonight would be their first 0-4 start since 1988-89.
3. Contenders collide in Boston: On the flip side of things from the Nets and Pacers are the Bucks and Celtics, who have — so far — lived up to expectations. This one (7:30 PM ET, NBA League Pass) will provide a good test of Boston’s interior defense, while the Bucks are in the middle of the pack in that department to date.
4. A true defense vs. offense matchup: Between the two of them, Utah’s Rudy Gobert and the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard have won four of the last five Kia DPOYs. The Jazz have the league’s best Defensive Rating and, among all NBA starters, have the top four players in that category, too. The Clippers aren’t as strong in that department (so far), but have the No. 1-rated offense and lead the NBA in effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage, too.
5. Will Trae be OK?: Hawks star Trae Young, one of the NBA’s top scorers to open the season, suffered a sprained right ankle last night and had to be carried off the court. He’s set to have an MRI today and we’ll be watching to see if the Atlanta star will miss time or not.
6. Has it been 6 years already?: Like every Kia MVP winner in league lore, Giannis Antetokounmpo had to start his NBA journey somewhere. Today marks the six-year anniversary of his Milwaukee debut, which came at Madison Square Garden. He played 4 minutes off the bench, finishing with 1 point (on 1-for-2 free throw shooting), a rebound and an assist. The Bucks’ starting forwards that game? Khris Middleton and Caron Butler.
