Third seed in the Western Conference minnesota wolves (56-26) and sixth seed phoenix suns (49-33) meet in the first round of 2024 NBA playoffs. The two franchises have never met in the postseason, with Game 1 of the best-of-seven series scheduled for Saturday in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves have been eliminated in the first round in consecutive seasons. However, after a 56-26 campaign, they will be confident they can translate their regular season success into tangible results with a strong postseason run.

On the other hand, the Suns’ superstars have failed to live up to expectations in recent seasons, but this Phoenix team seems poised to finally expel their demons.

They spent most of this season in the play-in race, but rebounded late to win seven of their last 10 games, all against teams above .500, to secure the sixth seed.

Phoenix has been fully loaded with stars over the past few years, but they have been unable to secure the franchise’s ever-elusive first championship. They made it all the way to the Finals in 2021, before being eliminated in the second round in each of the next two seasons.

Here, GOAL gives you everything you need to know about how to watch the game, including which TV channel to watch it on, broadcast details and more.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns: start date and time

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns will meet in a highly anticipated NBA game on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the kickoff time set for 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 pm PT for the fans. In the USA.

How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns online: TV channels and live streams

Fans can watch the action between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns live ESPN.

If you don’t have cable TV, the best way to watch all the NBA playoff games online is with DirecTV Streaming Choice. Best of all, all DirecTV Stream packages start with a five-day free trial. You’ll want the Choice package to get all the NBA Playoffs channels, which costs $98.99 for the first three months after the free trial, and then $108.99 per month after.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns Team News

Minnesota Timberwolves Team News

Karl-Anthony Town returned from a meniscus injury to play the final two games of the season and looked rusty. He has the difficult task of chasing down much more agile and faster Suns players.

Mike Conley leads the Timberwolves’ backcourt, providing veteran leadership, basketball IQ and playmaking ability. Anthony Edwards emerges as the Timberwolves’ top offensive threat, averaging an impressive 25.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 5.1 PPG.

Jaden McDaniels brings defensive intensity and versatility to the lineup, while Towns contributes scoring and rebounding in the frontcourt, averaging 21.8 points per game and 8.3 points per game.

Rudy Gobert, a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the defense with his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding ability. Gobert’s presence in the paint deters opponents from getting close to the basket, as he averages a double-double (14.0 ppg and 12.9 ppg).

Phoenix Suns Team News

After entering the season with high hopes and a revamped roster, the Suns were plagued by injuries and struggled to keep up in a stacked Western Conference from the start. But things improved midway through the season and the Suns recovered and hit their stride in the second half of the season.

Eric Gordon (migraine) has been listed as day-to-day, but he participated in practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, so there are positive signs.

Damion Lee (knee) was unable to return to the regular season due to essentially having his right meniscus torn off in an on-field workout before training camp. He has practiced a bit and while Game 1 may come too soon for him, the Suns hope to have him back at some point during the series.

The Suns have a terrifying trio of superstars in SG Devin Booker (27.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.9 APG), two-time NBA PF champion Kevin Durant (27.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5 APG) and SG Bradley Beal (18.2 PPG , 4.4 RPG, 5 APG).

Head-to-head records

Phoenix swept the regular season series against Minnesota, 3-0. The Suns won those games by an average of 15.7 points. Here is the record of the last five meetings between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA games: