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.
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.
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.
![Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) outpaces Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) who can’t make the tackle during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://theleadsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26816375-150x150.jpg)
Leave a comment