The Minnesota Timberwolves will begin their quest for the first championship in franchise history on Wednesday, October 21, when they face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat in a nationally televised game.

The Timberwolves will be one of the teams to watch among hardcore and casual fans this season as LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards promise to be one of the most exciting backcourts in the NBA. 

On Thursday, the schedule for every team was released, and big games for each team were circled on the calendar by fans and potentially players. 

For fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which games should be circled for the 2026-27 season? 

LaMelo Ball will return to Charlotte on February 15 in a game that airs on NBC. 

Ball was third overall by the Hornets in 2020 and played six seasons with the team before the big offseason trade. Ball was drafted with the hopes of turning the franchise around, but the team never made the playoffs with him at the helm. 

The Hornets seemed to turn things around in the second half of last season with Ball leading the charge, but they fell short in the Play-In tournament and once again failed to make the playoffs. Still, their end of season push had fans optimistic. 

Though Ball's tenure in Charlotte can't be viewed as a success, he should receive a warm reception when he returns. 

Reid will return to Minnesota on January 29 when the Hornets face the Timberwolves. The game will air on ESPN.

For Minnesota fans, the big homecoming will be when Naz Reid. He was on the other side of the LaMelo trade, with Minnesota having to trade the fan favorite to get their new starting point guard. 

Reid was one of the most beloved players on the team, with the Naz Reid Flag becoming an iconic item in the town. Reid was the Sixth Man of the Year in 2024 and finished in the top five the following two seasons. 

With Minnesota and Charlotte being in opposite conferences, this will be the fans' only chance to see Reid back in Minnesota. 

Towns and the Knicks visit Minnesota on November 19. 

Some may have Julius Randle's return circled, and while that will be a meaningful game, Randle spent only two seasons with the Timberwolves and certainly wasn't a beloved figure by the time he was traded to Brooklyn. 

Towns has played two games in Minnesota since he was traded two years ago, but now he'll return as an NBA Champion. Towns has maintained a close relationship with Anthony Edwards, and many thought those two would lead Minnesota to Championship glory together. 

Minnesota fans will no doubt greet Towns with a loud reception as a piece of Minnesota won a title when he won a title.