Before the season started, not many would have predicted that the young Timberwolves squad would dethrone the Nuggets. Making a historic 20-point comeback in Game 7 on Sunday, that too inside enemy territory, Anthony Edwards and Minnesota did exactly that to reach the West Finals. A major reason for this spectacular turnaround was the performance and leadership of veteran guard Mike Conley. But as the Wolves prepare to host the Mavericks tonight for the first game of the Conference Finals, Conley’s availability status raises massive concerns.

Dealing with a right soleus strain, that even caused him to miss Game 5 against Denver, Mike Conley has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game as per the latest injury report. And his absence could prove a massive blow for the Wolves, with Conley being the floor general throughout these playoffs. Averaging 11.3 points so far and dishing out nearly seven assists every night, his contributions have been pivotal to the franchise.

Without Conley in the lineup, Ant-Man’s squad got blown out in the fifth game of the previous series. But when the veteran guard returned from injury in the next two games, the Wolves won both games convincingly and closed out the series. And Conley’s impact on the team was evident from what Rudy Gobert said to him in the tunnel after Game 6, “Don’t ever leave me again.”

In those two games, Conley scored a combined 23 points along with nine assists. Moreover, Conley has been shooting over 41% from the three-point line, helping the Wolves spread their offense while the big men dominate the paint. Therefore, going up against two elite guards in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Minnesota could use a player like Mike Conley tonight.

Who will replace Mike Conley if he doesn’t play?

While Conley’s status raises concerns for the Wolves, there is still hope that he will suit up for the crucial game. And if he does play tonight, Chris Finch is likely to go with the same starting lineup he has for most of these playoffs. With that, their depth chart could look something like this:

However, in case Conley is unable to play tonight, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is highly likely to take his starting position as he did in Game 5 of the Denver series. Scoring fourteen points that night and also giving out five assists, Walker did a great job in Conley’s absence. Meanwhile, the rest of the starting lineup will probably remain the same, utilizing Minnesota’s length that has helped them all year.

Protecting homecourt and winning Game 1 is the primary focus for the Wolves tonight. And for that to happen, they will need to come out with the same energy and tenacity they did in the second half of Sunday’s game whether it’s with or without Conley in the lineup.