Heat Rest Giannis Antetokounmpo Before Timberwolves Matchup

The Miami Heat will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason game on Saturday, October 10, at Kaseya Center in Miami, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and several key players unavailable as both teams manage their rotations before the regular season.

According to the Heat injury report cited by Sports Illustrated, Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis Jr. were ruled out for rest. Pelle Larsson returned after missing previous team activities because of illness.

The Timberwolves also rested major players, including Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Jonathan Kuminga and Ayo Dosunmu, according to the same report. Donte DiVincenzo was unavailable because of an Achilles injury.

The preseason meeting served as a preview before Miami and Minnesota begin the 2026-27 regular season against each other on October 21, according to RotoWire. The Heat entered the game 2-0 in preseason, while the Timberwolves were 1-1.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra discussed Antetokounmpo's development within Miami's offense after recent preseason action.

"You could feel more of his force tonight. You could sense that it was a slightly different coverage and night to night it'll be like that." said Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat head coach.

Spoelstra also highlighted Antetokounmpo's aggression and transition play, while noting his connection with Davion Mitchell during fast-break opportunities.

"He was more assertive tonight putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket" said Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat head coach.

Canis Hoopus reported that Miami's offseason addition of Antetokounmpo changed the frontcourt outlook, while Minnesota entered the matchup adjusting after roster changes involving Julius Randle and Naz Reid.