Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a left ankle sprain, as announced by the team on Sunday.
This is the first time a key Timberwolves player has appeared on the injury report this season. Gobert likely sustained the ankle injury during Saturday’s loss to the Spurs.
Through the season’s first six games, Gobert has been averaging 10.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just over 33 minutes per game. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, who turned 32 this summer, remains central to the Wolves’ defensive efforts. Offensively, he’s also become more of a lob threat, with teammates like Donte DiVincenzo actively setting him up for alley-oops. Notably, Gobert is shooting 74 percent from the free-throw line this season, an improvement over his career average of 64 percent.
In Friday night’s electrifying, nationally televised win over the Nuggets, Gobert showcased his all-around impact. He clashed with Denver’s Christian Braun after a dunk but ultimately secured the win for Minnesota with a few critical defensive stops and clutch free throws in the final minute.
If Gobert is unable to play against Charlotte, Naz Reid is expected to step into the starting lineup, with Luka Garza potentially joining the rotation as the only other true center available for head coach Chris Finch.
The Timberwolves (3-3) and Hornets (2-4) are scheduled to tip off at Target Center on Monday shortly after 8 p.m. CT.
