Timberwolves and Trail Blazers Open 2025 NBA Season with Injury Challenges

The 2025-26 NBA season opener features the Portland Trail Blazers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves, with both teams showing promise despite injury challenges. The Timberwolves, coming off consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, retained key players like Naz Reid and Julius Randle and aim for an NBA Finals berth while monitoring Anthony Edwards' back spasms before the game. Portland is optimistic about the future, highlighted by Damian Lillard's expected return later in the season, the addition of Jrue Holiday, and the promising rookie Yang Hansen, although Lillard remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. Both teams face significant absences, with Portland missing key players including Scoot Henderson and Robert Williams, and Minnesota uncertain about Edwards' participation. The game is set for October 22 at the Moda Centre and will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, FDSN, and KUNP. Broader NBA storylines include the Oklahoma City Thunder defending their title led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Houston Rockets adjusting to Fred VanVleet's ACL injury, and the Lakers managing health concerns around LeBron James.