The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to kick off their first matchup of the 2025–26 regular season, once again reigniting their intense rivalry. These two teams have created quite the narrative for themselves after swapping Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo back in the 2024 offseason.

Both teams didn’t just see great individual success but found themselves positioned in their respective conference finals. A trade that couldn’t have been pulled off more evenly for each side has now unlocked a feud that could last for years to come. The atmosphere surrounding tonight’s game feels personal — both fan bases are eager to see how their stars perform against their former teams.

The two squads also met in the preseason, which saw the Knicks come out on top, 100–95, in a gritty overtime win. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double in 26 minutes of action, while Randle chipped in double figures for Minnesota. Both teams used that matchup as a preview of how physical and emotionally charged this new rivalry could become.

Knicks Injury Report

The Knicks are listing Karl-Anthony Towns as questionable ahead of tonight’s matchup due to an illness. This is an encouraging sign, as the team didn’t list his lingering quad strain as a reason for potential absence.

Towns continues to post some of his best games as a Knick this season, recording 33 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists across 30 minutes. He also turned in his most efficient shooting performance of the year, knocking down 50% of his field goals, including three makes from beyond the arc.

Missing out on Towns would put a dent in New York’s rhythm as they look to secure their third straight win and continue building early-season momentum. If Towns is unable to go, Mitchell Robinson could be projected to start once again, giving the Knicks more rim protection but less spacing on offense.

Timberwolves Injury Report

Minnesota has listed Terrance Shannon Jr. as questionable ahead of tonight’s game, while Anthony Edwards is officially good to go and will play. Shannon Jr. played in the Timberwolves’ last contest against the Brooklyn Nets, scoring just three points across 13 minutes of action but showing flashes of defensive intensity.

As for Edwards, he has missed the team’s last four games with a right hamstring strain — an absence that’s forced head coach Chris Finch to tweak his offensive system. Edwards last played on October 26th against the Indiana Pacers, logging five points in just three minutes before exiting early.

He was an active participant in the team’s shootaround on Wednesday morning and should look to make his mark inside MSG. In eight career games against the Knicks, Edwards has averaged 23.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists — production that Minnesota desperately needs back on the floor.

Two teams with identical records now battle for bragging rights and early-season statement wins. Can the Knicks remain undefeated at home and continue riding their wave of confidence, or will the Timberwolves finally snap their recent skid and spoil the Garden’s energy tonight?