Timberwolves, Bucks and Grizzlies, oh my! No, these aren’t the creatures you’re likely to run into when traveling through Mississippi River Country; basketball fans will know them as some of the NBA teams that call this part of the country home. Grab a seat at one of these arenas—here’s a closer look at the NBA teams in Mississippi River Country.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Founded: 1989
Where they play: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota (opened: 1990; capacity: 18,798)
About the Timberwolves: Play in the Western Conference’s Northwest Division … the Timberwolves have made 13 playoff appearances in franchise history, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2023-24 and 2024-25
Experience more:
- Timberwolves and Lynx (WNBA) make Minnesota come alive (Explore Minnesota)
- Where to eat & drink before, during or after the big game (Explore Minnesota)
Milwaukee Bucks
Founded: 1968
Where they play: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (opened: 2018; capacity: 17,341)
About the Bucks: Play in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division … the Bucks have won 19 division titles and 3 conference titles … Milwaukee won the NBA Finals in 1971 and 2021 … Fiserv Forum is the third-newest stadium in the NBA, opening in 2018
Chicago Bulls
Founded: 1966
Where they play: United Center, Chicago, Illinois (opened: 1994; capacity: 20,917)
About the Bulls: Play in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division … known as having one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties, winning 6 NBA Finals with superstar Michael Jordan from 1991-98 … Chicago has won 9 division titles and 6 conference titles, as well as the 6 championships … Bulls share the United Center with Chicago’s NHL team, the Blackhawks
Experience more:
- A sports fan’s guide to Chicago (Choose Chicago)
- Learn about Bulls legends and other sports luminaries at the Chicago Sports Museum
Memphis Grizzlies
Founded: 1995
Where they play: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee (opened: 2004; capacity: 18,119)
About the Grizzlies: Play in the Western Conference’s Southwest division … originally established as the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995 and moved to Memphis in 2001 … only professional sports team based in Memphis … the Grizzlies have made 14 playoff appearances in team history, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2012-13
Experience more:
- 7 sporting events you can only see in Tennessee (TNVacation.com)
- A Grizzlies weekend in Memphis (Memphis Travel)
New Orleans Pelicans
Founded: 2002
Where they play: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (opened: 1999; capacity: 16,867)
About the Pelicans: Play in the Western Conference’s Southwest division … established as the New Orleans Hornets in 2002-03 … temporarily located to Oklahoma City from 2005-07 but returned to New Orleans for the 2007-08 season … renamed the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013 … have won one division title and appeared in the playoffs 9 times
Experience more:
- All about the New Orleans Pelicans (NewOrleans.com)
