Minnesota Timberwolves: 10 Most Important Games on Schedule for 2011-12 Season

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot to prove.

Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams are two very big pieces in the team's rebuilding puzzle. Kevin Love and Michael Beasley have loads of talent.

Whether the new coach is Larry Brown or Don Nelson, they are going to have their work cut out for them.

These games probably will not be trending topics on Twitter, but they could turn in to something special. Nobody expected Kevin Love's 30-point, 30-rebound game.

Chock full potential playoff teams and intense matchups, here's a look at the games that should be circled on the Wolve's fans calenders.

LA Lakers: Nov. 29th at Staples Center

It seemed like the Wolves played the Lakers about 100 times last season. The Wolves did lose all four games but put up a surprisingly good fight a few times.

Kevin Love put up 23 points and 24 rebounds in the Wolves first trip to Staples Center last season. This will be Rubio's first trip to LA, and Jack Nichloson will certainly be there to see what the fuss is about.

This is only the third potential playoff team that Timberwolves will have faced during the season. It will be a big test for the club. 

New York Knicks: Dec.12th at Madison Square Garden

Both games against the Knicks last season were high-scoring affairs (112-103 Wolves and 114-121 Knicks). It also will be the same team against whom Love had his 30-30 game.

This will be another look at a playoff caliber run and gun offense that the Wolves could emulate.

Again, it's Rubio's first trip to the bright lights of New York. Hopefully, this won't inspire him to take his talents to Manhattan.

Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley will also get a chance to test their mettle against Carmelo Anthony. 

LA Clippers: March 5th at Target Center

This will be the second time these two young teams face off in a span of five days. These two teams may not be fighting for a playoff spot, but it will be an exciting game anyway.

Kevin Love vs. Blake Griffin will be an monstrous matchup for years to come, and fans will be packing Target Center to see them face off.

Dallas Mavericks: April 6th at American Airlines Center

This game is on the cusp of the, "Playoff teams rest starters, and lottery teams tank" part of the season.

With the Western Conference as tight as it has been over the past few years, Dallas will be eager to get a few more W's. 

This is a chance to prove that the Wolves are not going to just shut down late in the season. It is definitely a pride game and an opportunity for Derrick Williams to solidify his rookie of the year campaign.

Boston Celtics: March 30th at Target Center

When KG returns to town, it's always an emotional affair for Wolves fans.

The aging Celtics will be itching to prove themselves against another young and quick team trying to solidify its playoff spot. This will also showcase two flashy, passing point guards. 

Expect at least 15 assists each from Rubio and Rondo. 

Chicago Bulls: Feb. 10th at Target Center

This is Derrick Rose and company's first visit to Target Center. It will be a big draw for fans eager to see the league MVP in action.

It will be a fiery matchup in the midst of a long Minnesota winter. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Nov. 19th at FedEx Forum

This is the team's first chance to shine against a young, run-and-gun playoff team.

It's also a chance to show what the future of the Wolves could look like. The matchups in the game will also be a lot of fun:

Kevin Love vs Zach Randolph

Ricky Rubio vs Mike Conley

Michael Beasley/Derrick Williams vs Rudy Gay

Anthony Randolph vs Shane Battier

Expect an up tempo and physical game between these two young teams.   

Houston Rockets: Nov. 25 at Target Center

The Wolves first appearance on national TV in years. The game will be on ESPN 2.

Even more exciting is Kevin McHale's return to Target Center. The former coach/GM is the first person Wolves' fans will have any reason to heckle. 

Miami Heat: March 27th at American Airlines Arena

The game against "The Big Three" comes at the tail end of a stretch where the team is on the road for seven of eight games. 

It will be a chance for the young crew to see how they stand up to playing a championship caliber team in the face of exhaustion.  

OKC Thunder: Dec. 26th at Target Center

The game against Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Western Conference darlings will be one of the most exciting and important games of the season.

Last season, Durant put on a clinic against the team. Don't think they've forgotten that. Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley will be eager to prove themselves against the Durantula. 

Russell Westbrook and Ricky Rubio will also be a showcase of the two most exciting, young point guards in the Western Conference.

It's also a good chance for the Wolves to see what their possible future could look like. The team is trying to emulate "Thunderball" by getting a lot of good draft picks and developing them quickly.

Hopefully, David Kahn and Sam Presti will be exchanging Christmas Cards.

It's also a game during the holiday season. Fans will be at home and looking for something to cure their post-holiday blues. Hopefully Kevin Love and the pack won't let them down.