If there is one franchise in need of a positive unfurling to the 2021-22 season, it's the Minnesota Timberwolves, who followed another lost campaign with a shocking dose of offseason tumult.

After missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season and posting a losing record for the 15th time in 16 years, the Timberwolves fired their lead basketball executive, Gersson Rosas, just prior to the start of training camp. Perhaps excluding only the Sacramento Kings, the Timberwolves have become the NBA's picture of dysfunction and discord, and coach Chris Finch will enter his first full season on the bench trying to steer a long wayward ship on course.

The opportunity for a fast start is on the table for the Timberwolves, who will host the Houston Rockets in their season opener on Wednesday at Target Center. Including Houston, the Timberwolves will play seven of their first eight games at home, a soft landing to be sure.