If you’re wondering when do the timberwolves play next, you've probably already noticed that the 2025-26 schedule is starting to look like a relentless grind. The Minnesota Timberwolves are hitting a pivotal stretch this January. Honestly, the honeymoon phase of the early season is officially over.
The Wolves are currently scheduled to face the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM CST.
It isn't just a random Tuesday night game. It’s the start of a grueling four-game road trip that could very well determine whether this team stays in the top four of the Western Conference or starts sliding into that messy play-in tournament conversation.
The Immediate Outlook: Wolves at Bucks
Heading into Milwaukee is never exactly a vacation. The Bucks are still a titan in the East, and for Chris Finch’s squad, this is a massive "litmus test" game. The Timberwolves are sitting at 26-14 right now. That’s solid. It’s 4th in the West. But let’s be real—the gap between 4th and 8th is basically a couple of bad nights and a twisted ankle.
Rudy Gobert is going to have his hands full. We're looking at a defensive battle where the Wolves' 7th-ranked defense (113.3 Defensive Rating) has to contain one of the most physical offenses in the league.
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Quick Glance: Upcoming Games
- Jan 13: @ Milwaukee Bucks (7:00 PM CST)
- Jan 16: @ Houston Rockets (8:30 PM CST)
- Jan 17: @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 PM CST)
- Jan 20: @ Utah Jazz (7:00 PM CST)
You’ve gotta feel for the guys on that Jan 16-17 back-to-back. Flying from Houston to San Antonio for a 24-hour turnaround is the kind of "scheduled loss" trap that drives fans crazy. If Anthony Edwards is still dealing with that right foot maintenance—he’s been questionable on and off lately—they’re going to need a monster week from Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
The Anthony Edwards Factor
Ant is the engine. Period. He’s averaging nearly 29 points a game this season. When he’s on the floor, the gravity he pulls opens everything up for Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo. But the injury report hasn't been kind.
The medical staff has been extra cautious with his foot. It’s smart for the long haul, but it makes every "game-time decision" a nerve-wracking experience for anyone trying to figure out if it's worth tuning in. When people ask when do the timberwolves play next, they’re usually really asking: "Is Ant actually playing?"
If he sits, the offensive load shifts heavily to Julius Randle. Randle has been a revelation since coming over, putting up 22 points and 7 rebounds a night, but he’s a different kind of playmaker. He grinds. He bullies. Without Edwards’ explosive transition game, the Wolves can sometimes look a bit stagnant in the half-court.
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Why January is a "Make or Break" Month
This month is a beast. 16 games. 10 of those are against teams with winning records.
Basically, the Wolves are playing a gauntlet. They just split a tough home-and-home with Cleveland, losing a 146-134 shootout before bouncing back with a gritty 104-103 win against the Spurs. That kind of inconsistency is exactly what they need to iron out if they want to catch the Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the standings.
The Trade Deadline Shadow
There's also the February 5 trade deadline looming. Tim Connelly isn't known for sitting on his hands. With the Wolves performing well but showing occasional cracks in their perimeter depth, these next few games against the Rockets and Jazz are huge scouting opportunities. Do they need more shooting? Maybe.
Rob Dillingham has shown flashes of being that spark plug off the bench, but he’s still a rookie. In high-stakes road games, Finch tends to lean on the vets like Mike Conley, who—let's be honest—at 38 years old, probably needs those ice baths more than ever.
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Watching the Games: Where to Tune In
If you aren't at Target Center, you’re likely hunting for a stream.
- Local TV: FanDuel Sports Network North (formerly Bally Sports).
- National: Keep an eye on NBA TV or Peacock for those occasional flex games.
- Radio: KFXN-FM (100.3 The Fan) for the old-school vibe.
Honestly, the home-court advantage at Target Center has been real this year. They're 15-6 at home. But the road? 11-8. Not bad, but not elite. That's why this upcoming trip to Milwaukee and Houston is so vital. If they come back to Minneapolis on Jan 22 to face the Bulls with a 3-1 or 4-0 record on this trip, the vibe in the Twin Cities is going to be electric.
Actionable Strategy for Fans
If you're planning your week around when do the timberwolves play next, here is how to handle it:
- Monitor the 2:30 PM Injury Report: The NBA releases official status updates in the afternoon. Don't buy tickets or set your DFS lineups until you see Edwards' status.
- Watch the First Quarter Energy: This team has a habit of "playing down" to opponents (like that Utah game on the horizon). If they start slow in Milwaukee, it's going to be a long night.
- Check the Standings Daily: The West is a bloodbath. One loss can drop you from the 4th seed to the 6th.
The Wolves are a legit contender in 2026. They have the size with Gobert, the scoring with Ant, and the bench depth with Naz Reid. But the schedule makers didn't do them any favors this month. Buckle up, because the next two weeks are going to be a wild ride.
Next Steps for Wolves Fans:
Check the official NBA injury report four hours before the Milwaukee tip-off to see if Anthony Edwards is cleared. If he's out, watch for Naz Reid to join the starting lineup, which usually signals a higher-volume shooting night for the bench. Also, keep an eye on the Houston vs. San Antonio back-to-back ticket prices if you're planning a road trip; mid-week games in Texas are often the best value for seeing this roster up close.