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Timberwolves’ National TV Schedule Proves League is Watching

Originally posted on The Lead | By Simon Opatz | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 9:58 AM ET

The NBA released its 2025-2026 NBA schedule this week. The NBA schedule release is always an interesting opportunity to assess which teams the NBA believes to be the most popular or the most important to promote.

For years, Timberwolves fans have been accustomed to their team being buried on local broadcasts, overlooked for the sport’s biggest stages.

The arrival of Anthony Edwards has changed that narrative. Last season, Minnesota landed coveted spots on both opening night and Christmas Day, along with more primetime, nationally televised games than ever before. This year, the respect continues and grows.

THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES WILL HAVE 28 NATIONAL TELEVISION GAMES THIS SEASON

THE 5TH MOST IN THE LEAGUE pic.twitter.com/pg8eqDPCCp

— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) August 14, 2025

Riding a New Wave

The Timberwolves will play 28 nationally televised games in 2025–26, including a Christmas Day showdown against the Denver Nuggets. That’s the most in franchise history and the fifth-highest total in the league. Only the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have more nationally televised games this season.

Minnesota will also play on opening night of the NBA on Prime’s debut season when they take on the Lakers. For a small market team in “flyover country”, this is a massive sign of respect.

A new NBA era is here.

NBA on Prime begins October 24th. pic.twitter.com/rQGd8P1z31

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) August 13, 2025

Anthony Edwards’ rise into the league’s elite has propelled the Timberwolves into national prominence. His high-flying, electrifying game — paired with a million-dollar smile and effortless charisma — has captivated fans worldwide. The NBA has clearly recognized that Edwards is now one of its marquee attractions.

Feeding Expectations

Hopefully, Edwards can seize this opportunity to further elevate both his and the Timberwolves’ brand. Coming off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, expectations are sky-high in Minnesota.

According to FanDuel, Edwards enters the season with the sixth-best odds to win NBA MVP, while the Timberwolves share the sixth-best odds to capture the championship. If they manage to secure either —or better yet, both — of those achievements, it would cement their place in the NBA spotlight and deepen their imprint on the league and its fans.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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