The opening night loss to the Lakers showed a preview of the Timberwolves’ season. And so far, things haven’t really gone according to plan. The LA side, on the other hand, is going through a win-loss rollercoaster. Many fans are content with the situation, but the Wolves game on Monday night tests their mettle once again. Austin Reaves, who has mirrored the Purple and Gold’s performance so far with an up-and-down graph on the court, will be aiming to find consistency. But that’ll be possible only when he plays.

According to the latest Lakers injury report via Dave McMenamin, Austin Reaves, who was initially listed as questionable for the Wolves game, will miss a second straight game because of a left pelvic contusion.

AR picked up the injury in a nasty fall against the OKC Thunder. While driving to the rim for a dunk, the guard was thrown off balance midair before crashing down with a thud. The injury kept him out of the Jazz game on Sunday and there are chances for a repeat on Monday.

D’Angelo Russell (illness) is another name on the report, who has been overturned to available from probable. D’Lo had been a constant in the LA lineup, but his ailment caused him to be dropped from Sunday’s roster for the first time this season.

Anthony Davis remains probable because of his left plantar fasciitis. Laker Nation has witnessed how AD’s absence impacts the team. His shoes are simply too big to be filled by anyone. The center’s last-minute addition to the list could be a major blow to JJ Redick.

LA’s growing injury list also includes Cam Reddish, whose illness kept him out of the Jazz game, and now his status is listed as questionable. Moreover, left groin soreness has ruled out Jalen Hood-Schifino. Jaxson Hayes, Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood are all out too. This lengthy list could certainly be a significant setback for the franchise.

Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell’s absence could prove costly for the Lakers

Like D’Lo, Reaves played 19 straight games before taking his first break on Sunday. While the Lakers managed to win without the two point guards, LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled to maintain balance at both ends of the court while filling in for them. HC JJ Redick gave their minutes to Gabe Vincent and Max Christie, but they couldn’t guard the rim as effectively as Reaves and D’Lo.

Fortunately, the Lakers managed to snatch a narrow 105-104 victory against the Jazz. However, holding back Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards and Co. won’t be as easy. LeBron James has already reflected on how challenging it is to face the Timberwolves, and now an injury list like this could make it a cakewalk for the home team!

The Lakers would lack depth in their backcourt without the reliable presence of their solid guards. Reaves is averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while D’Lo is contributing 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

Although their numbers may not jump off the page, both players have focused on playmaking and refining their off-the-ball skills. While they’d want to get them back on the roster, the Lakers also don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Do you think the last-minute updates can tell a different story, or will JJ have to proceed with the Western clash without them? Let us know your thoughts.