Timberwolves vs. Pacers: Preseason game thread, lineups and more

The Indiana Pacers officiall begin to face the season without Paul George and Lance Stephenson when they tip off preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday evening.

Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Miles are the most likely candidates to fill out the starting lineup for the Blue and Gold with Solomon Hill and Damjan Rudez getting a look on the wing, as well. Chris Copeland will reportedly miss the game with a sore knee along with C.J. Watson (foot) and Ian Mahinmi (shoulder).

The starting unit won't play together much more than a quarter on Tuesday which will leave time for plenty of other playing combinations. We'll also see who among the camp invitees C.J. Fair, Adonis Thomas, Chris Singleton and Arinze Onuaku gets a chance to see the floor.

Copeland and Rudez will be a pair to keep an eye on throughout preseason since both with have plenty of support from fans but must show their long-distance shooting chops to work their way into an available spot in the playing rotation. It appears there is room for one in that rotation but not both. Rudez will have a chance to shine without rebuttal in the first game.

As for Minnesota, they take the "new look" theme to another level after letting Kevin Love go to Cleveland. Nikola Pekovic and Ricky Rubio are still in the mix, but their future success may revolve around the bench with rookie Andrew Wiggins and second-year players Gorgui Dieng and Anthony Bennett. Starting guard Kevin Martin is dealing with a groin injury so he will not play against the Pacers. Former Purdue standout, Robbie Hummel should get some run as he tries to secure a spot on the roster in Minnesota.

Unless you get creative with your online game viewing, Mark Boyle will be providing the HD visuals with the radio call.

For more on the Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. Also, please add your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.