Projecting Timberwolves’ Starting Lineup and Rotation After First Half of Preseason

The Minnesota Timberwolves have offered an early look at their new starting lineup. The more interesting question now is how Chris Finch arranges the minutes behind it.

Through their first three preseason games, Minnesota has used its regular starters and given reserves an opportunity to handle larger roles. That provides a starting point for projecting the rotation, even if exhibition performances should not settle every decision.

My projected starting five is LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga and Rudy Gobert.

That group matches the lineup Minnesota used to open the preseason. Keeping it together would allow Finch to continue developing the connections between his primary ball handlers, forwards and center.

Ball gives Minnesota another player who can organize possessions and create shots, allowing Edwards to spend more time attacking a defense that has already been forced to move.

The early offensive results have been encouraging. Against Indiana, Ball finished with 14 points and seven assists, while Edwards scored 19 points and McDaniels added 16.

The appeal is how their responsibilities can complement each other. Ball can initiate, Edwards can attack or work away from the ball, and McDaniels can benefit from openings without needing possessions designed entirely for him.

Gobert supplies the interior presence, while Kuminga adds another player capable of attacking the basket.

Kuminga’s adjustment remains worth watching. His difficult shooting night against Indiana showed that fitting into this group will involve more than adding athleticism.

For this lineup to function consistently, he needs to recognize when to drive, when to move the ball and where to position himself around the other starters.

Behind the starters, I would project Ayo Dosunmu as the first reserve, followed by Bones Hyland, Terrence Shannon Jr., Trey Lyles and Joan Beringer in a potential 10-player rotation.

That mirrors the initial preseason bench group, although I would expect Finch to adjust its size depending on matchups and performance.

Hyland strengthened his case against Miami with 23 points, four assists and three steals. Shannon added 19 points, while Beringer contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.

Those performances support giving all three meaningful opportunities. They do not guarantee that each will receive the same minutes every night.

I would prioritize staggering Ball and Edwards so one remains available to guide the offense. That would let the reserves contribute alongside an established creator rather than placing every offensive responsibility on the second unit.

Jaylen Clark also belongs in the competition, particularly when perimeter defense becomes the priority. Donte DiVincenzo’s eventual availability could change the guard rotation further.

For now, the starting five looks more settled than the bench. The remaining preseason games should help Finch decide which reserves provide the most reliable support around it.