Timberwolves Injury Report: Is Karl-Anthony Towns Playing Tonight? 4x All-Star May Dodge West No.1 Battle vs Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena in the battle for 1st seed in the Western Conference. However, the Wolves fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of their star Karl-Anthony Towns will have to wait a little longer. Adrian Wojnarowski, of ESPN, has provided an update on Anthony-Town’s injury, and looks like a comeback is near for the power forward.

Towns has been sidelined since March 4th because of a knee injury requiring meniscus surgery. The Timberwolves have played rather well in Town’s absence, going 12-5. As Woj conveys, Towns is expected to make a return on the weekend against the Hawks or the Suns. However, as the Wolves look to own the tie-breaker against the Nuggets, the forward will be missing out.

“Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t planning to play vs. the Denver Nuggets tonight on ESPN in a showdown for first-place in the West, but a return on the weekend against Atlanta or Phoenix looms possible, sources tell ESPN,” Woj writes hours ahead of the clash.

His return is good news for the Timberwolves, as they look forward to having his services in the playoffs. Getting him to play some games before the playoff will help him regain his form and get into momentum before the most important phase of the season starts. Towns, with his elite scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive presence, will boost the Timberwolves upon his return. In the absence of Towns, Anthony Edwards has taken over the offense. He is averaging 26.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, compared to Towns’ 22.1 points and 8.4 rebounds.

Predicted lineups: Nuggets vs Timberwolves

The Denver Nuggets currently hold on to 2nd seed in the Western Conference. They have won 7 out of their last 10 games and are on 2 game winning streak. The team have scored points at an average of 114.6 per game, which is 14th overall in the league; proving good on the defensive end. Furthermore, they have conceded points at an average of 109.5 per game, which is 6th overall in the league. The matchup will be important to the Nuggets, as they look forward to reigning supreme in the Western Conference. This is how they could line up: Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokić, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr.

The Timberwolves currently hold on to the top seed in the Western Conference. They are in great form, winning 8 games out of their last 10. And they are on 2 game winning streak. The team has been average on the offense front, averaging 113.2 points per game, which is 18th overall in the league. Whereas, they have been the best team in defense this season. They have conceded points at an average of 106.2 which is the best overall in the league. They will be looking forward to winning and cementing their reign at the top position. This is how they could line up: Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Mike Conley Jr., and Jaden McDaniels.

Tonight’s contest promises to be a defensive duel. Both the Timberwolves and Nuggets boast impressive defenses, but Towns’ absence creates a significant challenge for Minnesota. A win for the Timberwolves will solidify their claim to the top seed. However, if the Nuggets manage to win the game, the race for the Best of the West will become wide open.

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