Wolves schedule: Stars out early this fall

Charles Krupa, Associated Press

Kevin Garnett and the Celtics will be at Target Center to play the Timberwolves on Nov. 4.

Last update: August 5, 2009 - 7:49 AM

Wolves fans hoping for some NBA star power to land in Target Center will not have to wait long next season. The season's opening days will bring both LeBron James and Kevin Garnett for their only visit.

The Wolves open at home for the ninth consecutive year, against New Jersey on Wednesday, Oct. 28, before James and the Cleveland Cavaliers arrive that Friday night (Oct. 30) and Garnett returns with the Boston Celtics the following Wednesday (Nov. 4).

The Wolves' longest road trip and homestand each is four games. They play at Target Center most often on Wednesdays (16), Fridays (12) and Saturdays (6).

They play back-to-back games 19 times this season, compared to 21 times a season ago.

They are scheduled to appear on national television twice:

• A Nov. 27 home game against Phoenix on ESPN the night after Thanksgiving.

• An NBA TV home game against Washington -- with former Wolves coach Flip Saunders and former players Randy Foye and Mike Miller -- on Dec. 26.

Some other highlights:

• Kobe Bryant and the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers only come to Target Center once, and not until April 9.

• The Wolves play a home New Year's Day game, a 7 p.m. contest against Dwight Howard and NBA finalist Orlando.

• No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin and former Wolves Craig Smith, Sebastian Telfair and Mark Madsen come to Target Center with the Los Angeles Clippers Dec. 16 and Jan. 29.

JERRY ZGODA

Recent Timberwolves stories

Rajon Rondo has 22 points, 14 assists in Boston's 107-102 win over Miami - August 5, 2009

Rajon Rondo has 22 points, 14 assists in Boston's 107-102 win over Miami - Rajon Rondo had 22 points and 14 assists in his second straight outstanding game against the Miami Heat, leading the Boston Celtics to a 107-102 victory Wednesday night. More