NBA: Celtics, T-Wolves book exhibition in Montreal

The Boston Celtics will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 20 in the second annual NBA Canada Series pre-season exhibition game in Montreal, league officials announced on Tuesday.

The series tipped off last year when the Toronto Raptors faced the New York Knicks in Montreal and the Timberwolves faced the Detroit Pistons in Winnipeg.

“The NBA Canada Series captures the unique experience of a live NBA game for our fans outside of Toronto and helps fuel the increasing interest in our game across the country,” said NBA Canada vice president Dan MacKenzie.

Eight Canadians played for NBA clubs last season, including Los Angeles Lakers star guard Steve Nash. In all, 21 Canadians have played in the NBA with five Canadians taken in the NBA Draft over the past two years.

The Celtics have played prior international pre-season contests in Turkey and Italy last year and in Spain in 1988.

The Timberwolves have also played pre-season games in Japan, France, Turkey, Britain and the Dominican Republic.