MIN • Center • #27
Gobert, who has missed the last four games with lower back spasms, only received treatment during Timberwolves’ practice. As for Randle, who has missed the last seven games with a strained groin, he was not with the team for the session. Neither player appears on track to return for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, meaning Naz Reid will remain in the starting lineup. Jaylen Clark has started the last two games, and the need to match up with Luka Doncic and LeBron James may keep him in that role.
about 2 months ago
February 26, 2025 9:58 PM
MIN • Forward-Center • #30
about 20 hours ago
While Randle shot the ball well and recorded a decent stat line, he was also responsible for seven of the Timberwolves’ 10 turnovers in Game 1. That’s an area he’ll need to clean up moving forward, and he’s certainly capable of doing that. Randle’s high during the regular season was eight, which he recorded in a December 23 loss to the Hawks. The Timberwolves’ forward only had eight games with at least five turnovers, so Saturday’s performance can be considered an outlier. Minnesota will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Tuesday.
MIN • Center-Forward • #11
about 20 hours ago
Reid took a Jarred Vanderbilt elbow to the mouth during the second half of Saturday’s series opener, and that was all that slowed him down. The Timberwolves’ backup big scored 17 in the first half and finished the game one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since scoring 20 points in a March 24 loss to the Pacers, Reid surpassed 15 points once in his final eight appearances of the regular season. The Lakers employed a “boxes and elbows” defensive strategy to prevent Anthony Edwards from entering the lane, which allowed players like Reid to receive cleaner looks. His play (and that of Jaden McDaniels) could force the Lakers to alter their approach for Tuesday’s Game 2.
MIN • Guard • #5
about 20 hours ago
Edwards didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but he recorded solid numbers in the rebound and assist categories. The lone concern was his exit from Game 1 during the third quarter with an apparent calf injury. Edwards did return early in the fourth with a sleeve on his right leg, and he said during the postgame interview that the calf is getting better “day-by-day.” The good news for him and the Timberwolves is that Game 2 isn’t until Tuesday, so he’ll have a few days to rest up.
LAC • Center • #40
1 day ago
Zubac had his hands full defending Nikola Jokić in Saturday’s series opener. That task did not prevent him from doing his job offensively, with the Clippers’ center shooting 66.7 percent from the field and recording an efficient double-double. Zubac has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, and his play on both ends of the floor will be critical in this series. The Clippers and Nuggets meet again in Game 2 on Monday.
DEN • Center • #15
1 day ago
Based on the numbers, no opposing center has done a better job defensively on Jokic than the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. While he made the three-time MVP work in Saturday’s series opener, The Joker still finished one rebound shy of a triple-double while recording a complete stat line. Also, Jokic only committed two turnovers in his 46 minutes on the floor. As has been the case for most of his NBA career, Jokic is going to get his numbers, and he’ll do so efficiently. The Nuggets host Game 2 on Monday.
DEN • Center • #15
1 day ago
Based on the numbers, no opposing center has done a better job defensively on Jokic than the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. While he made the three-time MVP work in Saturday’s series opener, The Joker still finished one rebound shy of a triple-double while recording a complete stat line. Also, Jokic only committed two turnovers in his 46 minutes on the floor. As has been the case for most of his NBA career, Jokic is going to get his numbers, and he’ll do so efficiently. The Nuggets host Game 2 on Monday.
