The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without guard Donte DiVincenzo when they open their 2026-27 NBA regular season on the road against the Miami Heat this Wednesday, October 21. This comes after a preseason that saw the Wolves finish with a 3-3 record, including a 125-124 win over these same Heat on October 10 but a 133-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls in their final tune-up on October 16.
Donte DiVincenzo is the only player listed on the Timberwolves' official injury report for the season opener. The team has not provided a specific reason for his absence. His absence creates an immediate challenge for Minnesota's backcourt rotation, especially with the integration of newly acquired star LaMelo Ball. The Wolves' health otherwise appears strong as they begin their campaign in Miami.
The Miami Heat enter the game with a nearly full roster. Guards Myron Gardner and Dru Smith are listed as available, while center Vladislav Goldin is questionable. Heat guard Pelle Larsson, who left an October 10 preseason game against the Wolves due to illness, participated in practice this week. Larsson explained the team is being cautious. "I tried to speed track last time against the Timberwolves and it didn't work out," Larsson said, "so we've been just taking our time." His and Smith's availability will impact Miami's options behind starting point guard Davion Mitchell.
The Timberwolves are coming off a 2025-26 season where they finished as the 6th seed in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record. They beat the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in six games during the second round. Their major offseason move was the blockbuster trade for LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, a deal that cost them Naz Reid and significant future draft capital.
The Heat, meanwhile, missed the 2026 playoffs after a 43-39 season and a play-in tournament loss to Charlotte. They last reached the NBA Finals in 2023. Their preseason included that narrow 125-124 loss to Minnesota, a game that saw Larsson exit early.
The immediate focus is solely on the season opener in Miami. After a preseason with mixed results-wins over the Heat, Knicks, and Bucks but losses to the Pacers, Pistons, and Bulls-the Wolves will want to start the real games on a positive note. Integrating LaMelo Ball's playmaking will be a primary storyline. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page. How the team adjusts without DiVincenzo's perimeter defense and shooting could be an early factor in a tough road environment.
