Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. (Dec. 14, 2011) Beginning tonight at Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America, the Minnesota Timberwolves will celebrate the start of their 23rd NBA season with a broad slate of events throughout the Twin Cities over the next two weeks. Billed as the "12 Days To Tipoff," the Timberwolves will be visible in the community for 12 consecutive days with promotions, community events and basketball games leading up to the regular season opener on Monday, Dec. 26 when the Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center.

The following are some of the "12 Days To Tipoff" highlights:

Wednesday, Dec. 14: Timberwolves staff to say Thank You to over 1,000 Timberwolves season ticket holders at Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America. From 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p,m., Wolves season ticket holders will be provided free ride wristbands, as well as the opportunity to take photos with Wolves rookies Derrick Williams and Malcolm Lee, Santa Crunch and members of the Timberwolves Dancers.

Friday, Dec. 16: Members of the Timberwolves Dancers, along with Target Center Vice President Steve Mattson, will visit KARE 11 at 6:00 p.m. to drop off items donated as part of the Toys For Tots program.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Wolves vs. Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center, 7:00 p.m., broadcast on FOX Sports North and News Radio 830 WCCO-AM.

Monday, Dec. 19: The Wolves will host the teams annual open scrimmage presented by Target at Target Center from 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

The Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation is once again teaming up this holiday season with the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network (MARN) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to host the seventh annual "Holiday Shopping for Kids" event. From 5-6 p.m., Wolves players, including Kevin Love and Derrick Williams, will host a holiday shopping spree for 13 children at the downtown Target Store (900 Nicollet Mall). Each child will be given $500 to spend on clothing, school supplies and toys.

Tuesday, Dec. 20: Wolves staff will hand out exclusive prizes, including a Ricky Rubio signed basketball, at IDS Crystal Court from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Fans will have a chance to participate in fun interactive games, including the Wolves Pop-A-Shot.

Thursday, Dec. 22: A Wolves player, along with mascot Crunch, will visit Amplatz Hospital from 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. to donate toys and spend time with kids.

Saturday, Dec. 26: Season Opener Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center, 7:00 p.m., broadcast on FOX Sports North and News Radio 830 WCCO-AM.

Contact information:

Mike Cristaldi, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-8405, cristaldi@timberwolves.com

Aaron Seehusen, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-1602, seehusen@timberwolves.com

Dan Bell, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-1603, bell@timberwolves.com

www.timberwolves.com