Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 19 | 2024-25 NBA season 

The Minnesota Timberwolves face the New York Knicks for the first time this season. Thursday’s matchup is the first game between the two teams following the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York and Julius Randle to Minnesota. The in-form Timberwolves look to win for the seventh time in eight games.

The Knicks will welcome back Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Madison Square Garden. They look forward to slowing down the duo, who have been solid fits in Minnesota under Chris Finch. Towns, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges will lead the star-studded hosts.

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks: Injury Report

Minnesota Timberwolves injury report

Joe Ingles is inactive due to a left soleus strain. Four other Timberwolves are unavailable as they are on G League assignment.

New York Knicks injury report

Only Mitchell Robinson is out with an injury for the Knicks. Boo Buie III, Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar Jr. have been sent to the G League for exposure.

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks: predicted starting lineups and depth chart

Minnesota Timberwolves predicted starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Mike Conley	Nickeil Alexander-Walker	Rob Dillingham
Anthony Edwards	Donte DiVincenzo	Terrence Shannon Jr.
Jaden McDaniels	Josh Minott
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert	Naz Reid	Luka Garza

New York Knicks predicted starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Jalen Brunson	Cameron Payne	Tyler Kolek
Josh Hart	Miles McBride
Mikal Bridges	Jacob Toppin
OG Anunoby	Precious Achiuwa
Karl-Anthony Towns	Jericho Sims

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks: Key matchups

Karl-Anthony Towns versus Rudy Gobert

After a few years as teammates, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns square off on Thursday. Towns touted Gobert’s defense during their time in Minnesota. Now that they’re opponents, KAT hopes to play well against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year winner.

Towns averages 24.8 points per game on 52.6% shooting, including 43.9% from deep. Beating the Knicks in New York can be done if the Frenchman can limit his former teammate.

Julius Randle versus OG Anunoby

Julius Randle and OG Anunoby played a few games in New York before Don Julio suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. With Randle out, Anunoby has taken over the Knicks’ power-forward spot.

The two will line up across each other on Thursday. Anunoby, one of the NBA’s best defenders, will tangle with the versatile Timberwolves star. It is a one-on-one showdown the MSG crowd has been raring to see.

Anthony Edwards versus Mikal Bridges or Josh Hart

The New York Knicks wait for Minnesota Timberwolves franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards with two elite wing defenders. Mikal Bridges likely gets the first crack at the All-NBA guard, while Hart will have his chance as well.

Ant-Man is the visitors’ No. 1 option on offense. If the Knicks can force him to struggle, the hosts have an excellent chance of winning.

Jalen Brunson versus Jaden McDaniels

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch often puts Jaden McDaniels on the opposing team's best perimeter player. Against the Knicks, Finch will likely ask his defensive ace to shadow Jalen Brunson.

The New York captain is used to playing against defenders bigger than him. Brunson must find a way to impact the game against McDaniels and lead his team to victory.