The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Washington Wizards at Target Center on Friday.

The Wizards (2-7) looked to be fighting an uphill battle when they started the year without John Wall and that appears to be the case. While Bradley Beal is doing all he can, this club simply doesn't have enough talent. The sad part about that is the fact that Thomas Bryant appears to be having a breakout season at center but there's really no wings on this roster. That has led to this club playing some putrid defense, with the Wizards allowing the fourth-most points in the NBA. Since the first two games of the season, Washington is actually allowing close to 130 points per game, the worst mark in the league. That obviously won't get it done and it has to make fans wonder just how much longer players like Beal and Bryant will remain in Washington with an inevitable rebuild right around the corner.

The Timberwolves (7-4) come into this matchup winning each of their last two games and it's clear that this is a new team. While the players remain the same, there's major evidence that they've developed a ton in the offseason. Andrew Wiggins specifically, as he's turned from an all-time bust into an All-Star candidate this season. He's currently posting career-highs in points scored, rebounds, assists and field goal percentage while playing a lot more point guard than ever before. That doesn't even take into consideration that Karl-Anthony Towns is still the star of this team and it's a scary sight for opponents that these talented youngsters are finally living up to expectations.

This is actually the second meeting between these teams this season, with Minnesota winning the first game, 131-109.