wolves gameday

7 P.M. at memphis • TV/radio: fsn, 830-am

Preview: For the first time in 14 years, the Wolves will open a season on the road; their 13-year run at Target Center was the second-longest streak in the league and the longest for any team in the same city and arena. Minnesota, 5-2 in preseason play, open the post-Kevin Love era with a young roster and a coach, Flip Saunders, committed to developing that youth. Memphis (3-5 in the preseason), begins its season coming off consecutive 50-win seasons and a four-year playoff run. It will be a baptism of fire for the young Wolves players going against the physical Grizzlies. Memphis is coached by Dave Joerger, who many felt would end up coaching the Wolves.

Players to watch: This will be the first regular-season look for several players on the Wolves roster, including the No. 1 overall draft pick, F Andrew Wiggins, as well as fellow rookie G Zach LaVine. Veteran F Thad Young, G Mo Williams and F Anthony Bennett will play for the Wolves for the first time. But this team starts with G Ricky Rubio, and how he performs while adapting to Saunders' style. Rubio (11.3), G Kevin Martin (11.0) and Young (10.0) averaged in double figures in scoring in the preseason. Memphis is led by the bruising frontcourt of C Marc Gasol and F Zach Randolph. Randolph averaged 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds last season while Gasol averaged 14.6 points and 7.2 rebounds. G Mike Conley (17.2 points, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals last season) runs the show. Will the addition of Vince Carter help the Grizzles — who were last in three-pointers made last season (405) — with their perimeter scoring?

Numbers: The two teams split four games last season, but the Grizzlies have won 16 of the past 19 meetings. … Should LaVine and Wiggins play in this game, they would become the third- and fourth-youngest players to ever play for the Wolves.

Injuries: The Wolves report no injuries. Grizzlies G Courtney Lee (ankle) returned to action in the Grizzlies' final preseason game

kent youngblood