Minnesota Timberwolves DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (head) won't play on Tuesday versus Denver. Reid was initially listed as questionable for the game after he injured his head in Monday's matchup against Utah. He comes out of the lineup for the first time this season. Reid's absence is a fresh blow for Minnesota's injury-hit frontcourt, although Rudy Gobert (ribs) could still be available on Tuesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (head) is officially listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. After leaving Monday's victory over the Utah Jazz with a head injury, Reid's status remains unclear on the second night of Minnesota's back-to-back. Since Rudy Gobert (ribs) is also uncertain to play, the T-Wolves may have no choice but to use forwards Jaden McDaniels and Kyle Anderson as their primary centers in a daunting task against superstar Nikola Jokic and company. Former Iowa standout Luka Garza could be the last traditional big man standing, but he hasn't started a game since the 2021-22 campaign with the Detroit Pistons. It's still worth mentioning that in five career games as a starter, Garza is generating 11.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers in 27.8 minutes per contest.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (ribs) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. A left rib strain has cost Gobert consecutive contests, and the star big man remains in danger of missing the second half of Minnesota's back-to-back following Monday's win over the Utah Jazz. The T-Wolves' frontcourt may be severely short-handed with Naz Reid (head) iffy and Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) on the shelf, potentially forcing head coach Chris Finch to divvy up the center minutes among Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels as small-ball fives in an unenviable position against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending champions. The Nuggets are yielding the seventh-fewest points per game (110.2) in the NBA during 2023-24.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (finger) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Edwards sustained a left middle finger dislocation/sprain on a dunk-of-the-year candidate during Monday's victory over the Utah Jazz, clouding his availability in this battle for the West's No. 1 seed. Mike Conley would serve as Minnesota's primary playmaker if Edwards is out, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker likely joining the starting lineup. Over his last 12 games as a starter, Alexander-Walker is averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers, and 1.3 steals but gets a tough matchup against a Nuggets team allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid exited Monday's contest against Utah with a head injury, leaving his status for Tuesday's matchup versus Denver up in the air. Reid was hurt near the end of the first half when he took a hit to the back of the head from John Collins. It was a big first half for Reid, as he collected 17 points, four rebounds, and one block in 17 minutes. With Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Rudy Gobert (ribs) already on the shelf, the Timberwolves went small in the second half and started Nickeil Alexander-Walker in Reid's place. Alexander-Walker produced a nice all-around line in the game and could have a significant part to play again on Tuesday. Luka Garza was limited to 11 minutes on Monday but could have a much bigger role to play on Tuesday, with Minnesota needing to slow down Nikola Jokic.