Wolves

Wolves-Jazz Gameday: Walker Kessler had impressive debut for Utah

The Jazz knocked off the Nuggets in their season opener, at home, and will have a familiar look on Friday night at Target Center.

By Chris Hine

October 20, 2022 at 10:44PM

Walker Kessler was the 22nd overall pick by the Wolves in the NBA draft, but was traded to Utah in the Rudy Gobert deal. (Rick Bowmer, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Utah Jazz at Timberwolves

7 p.m. Friday, Target Center

TV, radio: BSN, 830-AM

Game preview: Rookie C Walker Kessler had a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) as the Jazz opened with a 123-102 victory over Denver on Wednesday. Kessler was the Wolves' first-round pick (22nd overall) and went to the Jazz in the Rudy Gobert trade. Of the other players in that trade, F Jarred Vanderbilt (12 rebounds) was in the starting lineup and G Malik Beasley (15 points) came off the bench. ... After a 49-33 season, the rebuilding Jazz are 28th in the NBA.com power rankings. ... The Timberwolves play five of their first six games and nine of their first 12 at home. ... Gobert had 23 points and 16 rebounds as the Wolves beat Oklahoma City 115-108 in the Wednesday opener at Target Center.