Target Center will be hosting a playoff game in the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in 20 years on Friday night.

The Timberwolves lead the defending champion Denver Nuggets 2-0 in the best of seven series.

However, if you ask Wolves star player Karl Anthony Towns, he’s treating Friday’s game more like an elimination game.

“We don’t look at the series as uh, we’re up one, we’re up two games, we just, every game is the most important game. It’s game seven and we gotta go out there and have that kinda desperation, that focus, that discipline, and that execution,” said Towns.

Fans and businesses are gearing up for a busy weekend of traffic, since Target Center is expected to fill up on Friday.

Fans should plan ahead and arrive early to avoid any traffic-related delays, and even consider taking the light rail or bus to avoid difficulty finding parking.

The team is asking fans to wear white to create a vibrant, homecourt advantage, and everyone in attendance will get a white playoff t-shirt.

If you can’t make it to Target Center, the team is hosting nearly a dozen watch parties at bars and restaurants around the arena, where there will be giveaways, including hats, koozies, and sunglasses. Those team-partnered locations include:

• Tom’s Watch Bar
• Kieran’s Irish Pub
• Lyons Pub
• The Loop
• 8th Street Grill
• The Local
• Sneaky Pete’s
• Jackson’s Hole
• The Loon
• Gluek’s

The team says those locations will host watch parties both on Friday and Sunday nights.

Tip-off for Friday’s game is at 8:30 p.m. but doors open at 7 p.m. The game airs on ESPN.

Game 4 will also be played in Minneapolis – that game will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday and will air on TNT.

If needed, game 5 will be Tuesday in Denver and game 6 will be next Thursday in Minneapolis. CLICK HERE for KSTP’s full Timberwolves coverage.

Additional Friday night Timberwolves watch parties (not team-partnered):

• Freehouse (Minneapolis)
• Surly Brewing (Minneapolis)
• Falling Knife Brewing Company (Minneapolis)
• Inbound BrewCo (Minneapolis)
• The Local West End (St. Louis Park)
• Reveal Rooftop Bar & Lounge (St. Louis Park)
• Barrel Theory Beer Company (St. Paul)
• Billy’s On Grand (St. Paul)
• Baldy’s Tailgate Bar (Lakeville)
• Short or Tall Eatery & Drink Hall (Rogers)