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The Golden State Warriors will try to get their first win in 2017 Las Vegas Summer League when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves today.
After a one possession loss in the first game, the Warriors got blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday in their second game. They'll look to bounce back tonight with a win, but more importantly their crew of young NBA players will try to continue to work on their games and demonstrate what they might offer a team if they get a roster spot.
If nothing else, they'll have their opponents inexperience working in their favor.
Timberwolves roster
The Wolves roster will feature 13 players who are all listed as rookies.
Wolves 13-man Summer League roster. pic.twitter.com/5Z6DMLJeeo
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) July 5, 2017
But this is probably the most important part: unlike the Warriors, they apparently don't have anyone playing who's under contract as 2017 NBA Draft lottery pick Justin Patton is injured.
Wolves go to summer league w/o any players on roster under contract (w/Patton injury.) Could make it more fun, actually.
— canishoopus (@canishoopus) July 6, 2017
Kevon Looney will not play
Unfortunately, the summer Warriors will be without forward Kevon Looney due to an allergic reaction.
#Warriors assistant Jarron Collins says Kevon Looney will probably miss tonight's summer league game after having an allergic reaction
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 11, 2017
Although the it's only a minor setback, it's yet another in a string of medical problems that have hindered Looney's development. Obviously, there's a chance this could pass and he could be available later in Summer League, but for now let's just hope for a speedy recovery.
Summer league tournament structure
Tonight's game will be the Warriors' third and final "preliminary" game after which a tournament will begin.
According to the schedule at NBA.com, the bottom 16 teams (seeds 9-24) will begin tournament play tomorrow while the top eight seeds will get a bye. The winners of Wednesday's games will advance to face the top eight seeds. Clearly, an 0-3 team — which the Warriors would be if they lose tonight -- would be playing in one of those games tomorrow.
Either way, the Warriors will have at least one more game to play after tonight.
How to watch
What: Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Where: Thomas & Mack Center
When: 5:30 p.m. PST
TV: ESPN2 | Online: WatchESPN
Buddy blog: Canis Hoopus