It's Opening Night for the 2024-25 season! The Lakers kick off the campaign with a home floor matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves—still expected to be a major player in the Western Conference even after moving Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. Here to preview tonight's game is the host of Locked On Wolves, Ben Beecken! It's a wide ranging conversation getting you ready for the game—who guards the Anthony's (Davis and Edwards) on each team?—but also the season, including how the Towns deal impacts Minnesota's chances (and how they match up with teams like the Lakers), and the early impact of new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Two big name teams with some very significant changes, whether in personnel or coaching. A handy rundown: Western Conference Challenges Discussion on the competitive nature of the Western Conference this season. Analysis of team dynamics and expectations, with a focus on the Timberwolves and Lakers. Timberwolves' Roster Change Impact of the Towns trade to the Knicks. Introduction of new players Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves. Discussion on the cultural and on-court implications of Towns' departure Lakers' Coaching and Strategy Transition to JJ Reddick as the new head coach for the Lakers. Expectations for Reddick's coaching style and its impact on the team's performance. Key Matchups and Game Strategy Analysis of key matchups for the opening game, including who will guard Anthony Edwards. Discussion on the Lakers' offensive strategy under JJ Reddick, focusing on increased three-point shooting and motion. Player Development and Expectations The Lakers' reliance on Austin Reaves to step up as a key player. Potential contributions from rookie Dalton Knecht as a bench scorer. Season Outlook and Predictions Predictions for the Lakers' performance this season, with a focus on avoiding the play-in tournament. Discussion on the importance of health and consistency for LeBron James and Anthony Davis. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Guest Ben Beecken! SEGMENT 1: It's Opening Night! How the Lakers and Wolves have changed (and stayed the same). SEGMENT 2: Matchups. Who guards AD? Who marks Ant? How have expectations shifted for the Lakers with Redick? SEGMENT 3: Looking at the West. Where do these teams stack up? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)