The Timberwolves have won five consecutive games to open the 2024 NBA postseason. They swept the Suns and earned a surprising Game 1 victory over the reigning champion Nuggets on the road.
Minnesota faces a big-time opportunity to take control of its second-round series Monday in Denver. The Timberwolves may have to fight for victory without their starting center.
Rudy Gobert’s availability suddenly came into question just over eight hours before the 10 p.m. ET Game 2 tip-off. He isn’t nursing an injury, but he still may not be on the floor for the Timberwolves in Denver.
Here’s what to know about Gobert’s status and whether he is playing as Minnesota looks to take another 2-0 series lead.
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Gobert was downgraded to questionable ahead of Game 2 because of personal reasons.
The Timberwolves haven’t officially announced what might prevent Gobert from playing. The 31-year-old Frenchman’s partner announced in February that the couple are expecting a child together, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, so Gobert’s potential absence may be related to that.
Gobert recorded 6 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in Game 1 while providing the Nuggets with a steady, defensive anchor. He helped to keep Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in check — something that Jokic admitted after the game — his presence looms large for this series.
If Gobert isn’t available, Naz Reid would likely step into a starting role if the Timberwolves stick with the two-big lineup that troubled the Nuggets throughout Game 1. Reid had 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench in Game 1.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves will air on TNT in the United States. U.S. viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide a range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves will tip off around 10 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6. The game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Here is the complete schedule for the NBA Playoff series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves:
*If necessary
