Look, we’ve all been there. You're trying to figure out if you have enough time to grab a Jucy Lucy before heading to the arena, or if you’re stuck watching the first quarter from your phone in a parking ramp. Finding out what time does the timberwolves game start sounds simple enough, but with the way national TV schedules and local broadcasts shift things around, it’s rarely a "set it and forget it" situation.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you were looking for the Wolves to take the court tonight, you might actually be able to breathe a sigh of relief—or frustration, depending on how much you like your Sundays filled with basketball. The Minnesota Timberwolves actually played just last night, Saturday, January 17, against the San Antonio Spurs. That was a 7:00 PM CST tip-off down in Texas.
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Because they played a road game late last night, the Timberwolves are currently in a "travel and recovery" window. There is no Timberwolves game scheduled for today, January 18. Their next matchup isn't until Tuesday, January 20, when they head to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. That one is scheduled for an 8:00 PM CST start.
Planning for the Next Wolves Tip-Off
Since there isn't a game tonight, you've basically got a head start on planning for the rest of the week. The Wolves are in the middle of a fairly busy January stretch. After that Tuesday night game in Utah, they finally head back home to the Target Center. Knowing the start times for these upcoming games is key, especially since the NBA loves to flex times for broadcast partners like NBC or ESPN.
The Upcoming Schedule (CST)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: @ Utah Jazz — 8:00 PM
- Thursday, Jan 22: vs. Chicago Bulls — 7:00 PM
- Saturday, Jan 24: vs. Golden State Warriors — 4:30 PM
- Monday, Jan 26: vs. Golden State Warriors — 8:30 PM
Notice that Saturday game? A 4:30 PM start is a bit of an outlier. That’s because it’s a nationally televised game on ABC. When the big networks get involved, they usually pull the start times earlier for those weekend matinee slots. If you show up at 7:00 PM for that one, you’ll be walking in just as the fans are heading for the exits.
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Why Does the Start Time Keep Changing?
It feels like every game has a different rhythm. One night it’s 7:00, the next it’s 8:30, and then suddenly it’s a Sunday afternoon special. There are basically three things that dictate what time does the timberwolves game start on any given night.
First, you have the "Local vs. National" factor. Most home games at the Target Center default to a 7:00 PM CST start for the local crowd. It’s the sweet spot for people getting off work and grabbing a beer before tip. But when the Wolves are good—and lately, they’ve been very good—networks like TNT, ESPN, and Peacock want them in the "late night" slot for West Coast viewers. That’s how you end up with those 8:30 PM or 9:30 PM starts that make Tuesday mornings feel like a struggle.
Second, the time zone of the away city matters. When the Wolves head out on a West Coast swing to play the Lakers or the Blazers, expect those games to start at 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM Central Time. Conversely, an East Coast trip to see the Knicks or Celtics might see a 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM start.
Lastly, there’s the "Target Center Logistics" side of things. If there’s a concert or a double-header event, times might shift slightly. Usually, doors open 60 to 90 minutes before the official tip-off. If you’re a fan of watching Anthony Edwards go through his pre-game shooting routine (which, honestly, you should be), you’ll want to be in your seat at least 45 minutes before the "start time" listed on your ticket.
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Watching from Home: Channels and Apps
If you aren't heading to First Avenue and 6th Street to see them in person, the "start time" is really just the time you need to have your apps loaded. For the 2025-26 season, the broadcast landscape has changed quite a bit. FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports) still carries the bulk of the local games.
However, keep an eye out for those Peacock exclusives. The NBA's deal with NBC means several games a year are only available via streaming on Peacock. For the upcoming Golden State game on Jan 26, that’s exactly where you’ll need to be. If you’re a radio person, KFAN 100.3 remains the home for Alan Horton’s play-by-play, which is always a solid backup if you’re stuck in traffic.
Actionable Steps for Wolves Fans
Don't let a "flex" schedule ruin your night. To make sure you're always on top of the tip-off, here is what you should do:
- Sync the Calendar: Go to the official Timberwolves website and use the "Sync to Calendar" feature. This automatically updates your phone's calendar with any time changes made by the NBA or the networks.
- The 15-Minute Rule: "Tip-off" is rarely the exact second the ball goes up. Usually, there’s about 8-12 minutes of player introductions and national anthems. If the game says 7:00 PM, the actual basketball usually starts around 7:10 PM.
- Check the "Know Before You Go": If you're attending in person, Target Center sends out an email 24 hours before the game. It confirms the door times and any security changes. Read it.
- Watch the Injury Report: Sometimes a 7:00 PM start feels a lot different if a star player is ruled out at 5:30 PM. Follow local beat writers on social media for the "active" list about 90 minutes before the game.
The Timberwolves have become one of the most exciting teams in the league, which means more people are watching than ever. Whether you're tracking a late-night West Coast game or a weekend matinee, staying on top of the clock is the first step to making sure you don't miss a single dunk.