The Knicks’ pending visit to Minnesota obviously marks the return of Karl-Anthony Towns to Target Center, but it also will be the first time Julius Randle faces his former team following the blockbuster September trade with the Timberwolves.

The three-time All-Star power forward did not play in the preseason matchup between the teams at the Garden, the game in which Donte DiVincenzo got into a spat with Knicks ᴀssistant coach Rick Brunson.

While DiVincenzo has struggled since the move — shooting 31.9 percent from 3-point range this season — Randle is averaging 20.1 points per game in his first 25 games since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last January and eventually undergoing surgery.

“Jules is a great player. He can do it all,” said Knicks forward OG Anunoby, who likely will draw the primary ᴀssignment Thursday night of guarding Randle. “Pᴀss, shoot, drive. Great player.”