The Timberwolves will head to Los Angeles to take on the red-hot Lakers on Tuesday night with a spot in the 2023 NBA Playoffs on the line.
Minnesota has been making headlines this week, but for all the wrong reasons. Teammates Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson got into a physical altercation on the sideline during the team's crucial win over the Pelicans on Sunday. Gobert threw a punch at Anderson during a timeout and was subsequently sent home mid-game.
"We made the decision to send Rudy Gobert home after the incident in the second quarter," Timberwolves president Tim Connelly said in a statement after the game. "His behavior on the bench was unacceptable and we will handle the situation internally."
It's unclear whether Gobert will be available to play against the Lakers.
MORE: Will Rudy Gobert be suspended for punching Kyle Anderson?
The incident couldn't have come at a worse time, with the 42-40 Timberwolves preparing for the biggest game of their season so far. They made some aggressive moves this offseason to try and become a serious contender in the West, but now they must survive the Play-In Tournament just to reach the playoffs.
On the other side, the Lakers seem to be rounding into form after winning nine of their last 11 games to close out the regular season. Their late-season surge nearly vaulted them up to sixth place in the West and out of the Play-In Tournament, but the Warriors were able to hang onto the final automatic playoff spot by a single game. Now, LeBron James and Co. need one more win to clinch their spot in the 2023 playoffs.
Here's how you can tune in to Lakers vs. Timberwolves in the NBA Play-In Tournament this Tuesday night.
What time is Lakers vs. Timberwolves?
- Date: Tuesday, April 11
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Cal.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves will tip off around 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time) from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
MORE: Dates, TV schedule, brackets for 2023 NBA Playoffs
What channel is Lakers vs. Timberwolves on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: TNTdrama.com, Sling TV
The NBA Play-in Tournament matchup will air on TNT. Viewers can also live 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.
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NBA Play-In Tournament schedule
Tuesday, April 11
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel | |
| Game 1 | Hawks vs. Heat | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 2 | Timberwolves vs. Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
Wednesday, April 12
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel | |
| Game 3 | Bulls vs. Raptors | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Thunder vs. Pelicans | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
Friday, April 14
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel | |
| Game 5 | Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 1 | 7/7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 6 | Winner of Game 4 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 9:30/10 p.m. | ESPN |
NBA Playoff matchups 2023
Eastern Conference
(1) Bucks vs. (8) Play-In winner
(2) Celtics vs. (7) Play-In winner
(3) 76ers vs. (6) Nets
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Knicks
Western Conference
(1) Nuggets vs. (8) Play-In winner
(2) Grizzlies vs. (7) Play-In winner
(3) Kings vs. (6) Warriors
(4) Suns vs. (5) Clippers
NBA Playoff schedule 2023: First round
The NBA has released the partial schedule for the first weekend of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The schedule for Saturday, April 15 is set while the schedule for Sunday, April 16 has yet to be determined.
Check back for updates on the full weekend schedule as well as the schedule for the entirety of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
(All times Eastern)
Saturday, April 15
| Game | Time | National TV (US) |
| Nets vs. 76ers (Game 1) | 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| No. 7 seed vs. Celtics (Game 1) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Knicks vs. Cavaliers (Game 1) | 6 p.m. | ESPN |
| Warriors vs. Kings (Game 1) | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
Sunday, April 16
| Game | Time | National TV (US) |
| No. 8 seed vs. Bucks (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
| No. 8 seed vs. Nuggets (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
| No. 7 seed vs. Grizzlies (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
| Clippers vs. Suns (Game 1) | TBD | TBD |
