The Timberwolves will be down two starters in the first round of the Play-In Tournament.
Not only did Jaden McDaniels fracture his right hand in the final game of the regular season, but Rudy Gobert was sent home at halftime of the team's win over the Pelicans for striking teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout.
The Timberwolves will face the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. If they win, they'll earn the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and face the Grizzlies in the playoffs. If they lose, they'll take on either the Pelicans or Thunder in the second round of the Play-In Tournament for the No. 8 seed.
Here's the latest on why Gobert will be out of Tuesday's Play-In game.
MORE: Biggest keys to Lakers vs. Timberwolves in Play-In Tournament
Why Rudy Gobert is suspended for Timberwolves vs. Lakers
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that Gobert didn't travel with the Timberwolves to Los Angeles and won't play in Tuesday's Play-In game against the Lakers.
Gobert has since been listed on the injury report for a team suspension.
Minnesota @Timberwolves Status Report in advance of tomorrow’s game at Los Angeles Lakers: pic.twitter.com/nwKrPUEz9Y
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) April 10, 2023
Wojnarowski added that Gobert is expected to return to the Timberwolves after serving a one-game suspension.
Why did Rudy Gobert punch Kyle Anderson?
According to Wojnarowski, Anderson told Gobert to block some shots and Gobert told Anderson to grab a rebound. Gobert reportedly lost his temper when Anderson told him to, "Shut the f— up, b—."
Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gobert had to be separated after a heated altercation during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/HVuPNdjrxs
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 9, 2023
The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski added that tension between the two "spilled over to the halftime locker room." While nothing became physical, Anderson is said to have challenged Gobert and said, "I'll knock your a— out."
Gobert was sent home. He finished the game with two points and three rebounds in 13 minutes of play. Anderson ended up with eight points, nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steals in 36 minutes of action.
Later on Sunday night, Gobert tweeted that emotions got the best of him and issued an apology to "the fans, the organisation and particularly to Kyle," who he said is someone "I truly love and respect as a teammate."
Emotions got the best of me today. I should not have reacted the way i did regardless of what was said. I wanna apologize to the fans, the organisation and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that i truly love and respect as a teammate.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) April 10, 2023
Mike Conley said after the game that Gobert had already apologized for the incident in a text message to the team's group chat.
What channel is Timberwolves vs. Lakers on?
- Date: Tuesday, April 11
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV
Timberwolves vs. Lakers will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish
Timberwolves vs. Lakers start time
- Date: Tuesday, April 11
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. PT
Timberwolves vs. Lakers will tip off shortly after 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 11. The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
NBA Play-In Tournament schedule
April 11
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Hawks at Heat | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Timberwolves at Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
April 12
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Bulls at Raptors | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| Thunder at Pelicans | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
April 14
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| TBD vs. TBD | TBD | TNT |
| TBD vs. TBD | TBD | ESPN |
