Can I cast a spell like Defiant Strike targeting Mizzium Tank before the tank is a creature so that by the time Defiant Strike resolves, Mizzium Tank is a creature because its ability resolved before Defiant Strike did?
My gut says no since the tank isn't a legal target for Defiant Strike when Defiant Strike is cast, but I just wanted to confirm.
You can't target Mizzium Tank with Defiant Strike unless Mizzium Tank is already a creature by the time you start casting that spell (C.R. 114.1a, 601.2c). However, if an effect lets you change Defiant Strike's target (which neither Defiant Strike nor Mizzium Tank lets you do), that target could thereby be changed to another creature even if it became a creature after Defiant Strike is cast and before it resolves (C.R. 114.7, 114.4). See also this thread. (Note that Mizzium Tank's second ability triggers only when you finish casting a noncreature spell [C.R. 601.2i].)
You can't target Mizzium Tank with Defiant Strike unless Mizzium Tank is already a creature (C.R. 114.1a, 601.2c). (Note that Mizzium Tank's second ability triggers only when you finish casting a noncreature spell [C.R. 601.2i].)
So basically, the general rule is that a spell/ability that only targets a creature can't be cast/activated unless the target is a creature as the spell/ability is cast/activated?
So basically, the general rule is that a spell/ability that only targets a creature can't be cast/activated unless the target is a creature as the spell/ability is cast/activated?
Yes. In general, a spell that requires targets can't be cast, and an activated ability that requires targets can't be activated, unless—
the required number of targets are chosen for that spell or ability, and
those targets meet the criteria of that spell or ability (e.g., "[t]arget creature" for Defiant Strike or Giant Growth)
My gut says no since the tank isn't a legal target for Defiant Strike when Defiant Strike is cast, but I just wanted to confirm.
Great, thanks.