After a 123-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell to 1-1 two games into their preseason schedule. 

The defeat was an underwhelming outcome. However, results are merely a formality at this point in the campaign. It's all about preparation and making sure the creases are as ironed out as possible when the regular season begins.

With that, here are three things to watch for in Minnesota's road clash with the undefeated Miami Heat (2-0): 

Two games into the preseason, head coach Chris Finch looks set on his starting lineup, with newcomers LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga joining Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert to form an exciting five. 

The quintet got the nod in both of the Timberwolves' games so far, with their minutes gradually increasing from the opening 116-97 win in Milwaukee on Monday to the loss to the Pacers a few days later. 

Edwards led the team in scoring in each game, improving on his 14 points (4-13 FG) in the curtain-raiser with 19 points (5-10 FG, 4-5 3PT) against Indy. 

Ball looks like a seamless fit in Finch's offensive system. He posted 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes in his debut. He added 14 points, four caroms, and seven dimes on Wednesday. The five turnovers, however, were not ideal.

McDaniels may be poised for a breakout campaign in terms of scoring, showing flashes with his 16-point performance against the Pacers. He shot 6-for-10 from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. 

Kuminga dropped eight points on 2-for-4 shooting in his debut before going 1-for-9 for two points in his second game. The Timberwolves will be hoping to find a happy medium there.

The battles for second-unit roles are heating up. The game-to-game pattern so far shows favorites emerging for securing early-season roles. 

Ayo Dosunmu could be poised for a Sixth Man of the Year-type campaign. He scored 10 points in 17 minutes against Indiana. Elsewhere, newcomer Cody Williams logged 18 minutes in game two. Terrence Shannon Jr. clocked 17 minutes, and third-year prospect Zyon Pullin played 14 minutes. 

Perhaps a surprise emergence has been sophomore big man Joan Beringer. The No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 Draft got an extended 15-minute burn in Minnesota's opener, putting up 12 points (5-for-8 FG) and seven rebounds.

The 6-foot-11 forward then played a bench-high 19 minutes in the second game, showing his enormous potential on the glass with eight rebounds. He scored just two points, but on only three shot attempts (1-for-3 FG).

Finch likes Beringer's fearlessness, motor, and lack of bad NBA habits. At just 19 years old, there are some things that need to be cleaned up, such as over-aggression leading to foul trouble. However, his athleticism, lob-threat capacity, and rim-protection upside could position him for a major role in the Wolves' thin frontcourt this season.

The Heat's high-powered, physical offense, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, surrounded by shooters, will be the biggest test for the Timberwolves' new-look defense thus far. 

Minnesota held the Bucks to 33 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point range, and kept them under 100 points in the opener. 

The Pacers, though, caused them problems, shooting 53 percent from both the field and three. So defense should be a major focus for Finch and his staff.

It won't be perfect yet, but it'll be fascinating to see how the Timberwolves scheme to handle Miami's size and athleticism. Also, who will be Gobert's primary assignment in a pick-your-poison situation with Giannis and Adebayo on the other side.