Is Rudy Gobert Playing Tonight vs Nuggets? Availability Report On 4x DPOY Amid Absence For Birth Of Son

The Denver Nuggets are hoping the third time might be the charm as they take the fight to Minnesota’s turf. Game 3 of the Timberwolves vs Nuggets will tip off at 9:30 PM ET in Target Center. It was with great shock that everyone watched the ‘Mile High City’ get thrashed and tossed by the TWolves on their home court. But the Anthony Edwards-led team has emerged as a deadly threat out of nowhere. Then again, all the Minnesota fans or the eagle-eyed basketball pundits would say that the ascend of the Wolves was a long time coming.

Even so, nobody expected them to showcase such poise against the defending champions led by 3x MVP Nikola Jokić. Nonetheless, with the Wolves in unprecedented form, as Denver moves to Minneapolis for Game 3, they await a challenge in the fourth-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Yes, Rudy Gobert is not on the injury report for the Wolves’ third outing. Underdog NBA posted the latest update on the French defensive big man. “Rudy Gobert (personal) not on injury report for Friday.”

Gobert was absent for Game 2 owing to the birth of his first child, a baby boy. Although the Nuggets tried their best to get him back in time, the harsh weather put an end to all their efforts. The first-time father spent the day watching his team defeat Nikola Jokić and Co. with his baby in his arms.

“Obviously I was watching the game,” Gobert said incredulously. “But I had a little emotion at the same time because it was something special. The energy, the focus that they had, the determination… It was an incredible day, an incredible way to end the day for me and obviously the whole organization.”

It indeed was! But there was someone else who was even more excited than Rudy.

The absence of Rudy Gobert for Game 2 had the Wolves coach overjoyed

Kyle Anderson took over the duties of Gobert for their second game in the second round of the playoffs. Seeing the Wolves’ defensive-minded big absent, every Nuggets fan was thrilled. But the joy didn’t last long. Anderson finished that night with eight assists and nine rebounds. With a little help from reserves, Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, both of whom scored 14 points each, the ‘North Star State’ hit a franchise-record 12 blocks!

“We’ve had some really, really good defense efforts this year, but that has to be up there with the best of them!” said an ecstatic Finch post-game. But he credited their resident Frenchman for his contribution to the team. “Rudy’s driven a defensive culture here. And I think it’s a testament to his impact, his presence and what he’s infused into the team…we expect to win no matter who’s with us and who’s not. My guys believe that.”

Well, there is no doubt that with all the good things that are going for Rudy Gobert, he will be playing with renewed energy in Game 3. While many hope the Nuggets might turn the tide tonight, one thing is for sure. The Timberwolves will be giving it their all.

What do you think the outcome will be of this matchup? Can Denver get back on track? Or will they fall prey to the Wolf pack? Let us know your thoughts below!