The Wolves made some major moves in the offseason after coming up short of their goal last season. They will be NBA favorites again and I love them to start hot like they did a year ago (17-4). This is basically a pick 'em and MIN was 28-21 ATS on the road last season and took 3 of 4 from the Lakers. Ant will put on a show on the big stage and I kind of like them opening on the road. This is a team that finished last year 6-2 on the road in the playoffs, facing, frankly, stiffer competition than this.

Let’s fade Russell. Lebron and AD are healthy and ready to roll, Minn is great v guards and Russell might not get huge minutes. Under

It wouldn't surprise me if this years Timberwolves squad is even better defensively than they were last season when they finished 1st in Defensive Efficiency. In 4 games against the Wolves last season Russell averaged 12.5 PPG on shooting splits of 33% FG and 26% from three. The Wolves were very tough on opposing backcourts and I expect that to be the case this season as well.

The new look Minnesota Timberwolves will now no longer have Karl Anthony Towns. In game one there may be some rusty stretches against the LA Lakers. Yet, this is a Lakers team that under Lebron has been abysmal in game one’s of the season. In fact they are winless with an 0-6 record. Take the Timberwolves behind superstar Anthony Edwards.

The Minnesota Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference finals last year. This year, I think they'll be even better with their new roster. The big change is getting rid of Karl-Anthony Towns. This means more of Naz Reid, who is a more versatile player inside. Add Julius Randle to the mix along with Donte DiVincenzo, both of whom are winners and both who add some fire to the team makeup. This team will go farther than last year, and will start the season strong with a win.