As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, there are already frights about how the match-up will take place. These fears have been established internally, most notably by Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler, who is afraid to defend LeBron James in their upcoming game according to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.

“No, I got a lot of, ah, I don’t know. LeBron’s a helluva player. I hope I get to guard (former Bulls teammate) D-Wade. Please, let me guard D-Wade. I like matching up against everybody.”

LeBron James is a 3-time NBA champion, 3-time NBA Finals MVP, and one of the greatest NBA players in the history of the league. Even at 34 years of age, James is averaging 27.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.2 rebounds, while shooting 39 percent of his 3-pointers. It is no surprise that Butler isn't too excited with his responsibility of guarding the Cavaliers superstar. However, according to Jace Frederick of the Pioneer Press, James had nothing but respect for the growing Timberwolves franchise.

“They’re one of us (old teams). Well, not us. Us and the Spurs are like stone-aged, but they’ve got a good chance to be a really good team in the West, good in the league, obviously, especially with (Tom Thibodeau) implementing what he wants. I’ve had my battles with Thibs and his teams over the year. They’re playing some good ball right now.”

After posting 33 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a win over the Orlando Magic, James will be bound for another potential big game against the Timberwolves. Hopefully, Butler will step up to the plate and deny James the opportunity to take over the game.