#minnesota_timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 22, 2026) The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Boston Celtics on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in a matchup critical for both teams’ playoff hopes. Boston enters with a 47-23 record, second in the Eastern Conference, while Minnesota holds a 43-27 mark, fourth in the Western Conference. Both teams remain in contention for postseason berths, with Boston excelling at home and maintaining a strong net rating, while Minnesota relies on its defensive presence and size to stay competitive in the West. The injury report for the Timberwolves lists two players as unavailable for the game. Leading scorer Anthony Edwards is out due to right knee inflammation, which will require a re-evaluation in 1–2 weeks. Naz Reid is questionable with an ankle injury, and his status will be determined closer to game time. The rest of Minnesota’s starting rotation, including Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley, and Bones Hyland, is expected to play. Boston’s injury report features two players sidelined. Nikola Vucevic is ruled out with a finger injury, while Jaylen Brown is listed as probable with quadricep soreness. Brown may play but could face minutes restrictions. The Celtics’ core, including Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza, is largely available, ensuring a deep and balanced rotation. Minnesota’s roster is built around Edwards, Gobert, and Randle, with support from McDaniels, DiVincenzo, and a guard group featuring Conley and Hyland. The team’s identity revolves around defense, rebounding, and interior protection, with Gobert anchoring the paint.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #minnesota_timberwolves #nikola_vucevic #anthony_edwards

Timberwolves End 18-Game Losing Streak in Boston with 102-92 Win Over Celtics The Minnesota Timberwolves ended an 18-game losing streak in Boston with a 102-92 victory over the Boston Celtics on March 23, 2026. Bones Hyland led the way with 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 19 to secure the win. Ayo Dosunmu contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, and Rudy Gobert recorded 14 rebounds and nine points. The win marked the Timberwolves’ first victory in Boston since 2005, a fact that left Hyland stunned. Hyland expressed disbelief when told about the 2005 game, joking, “Dang, that don’t even sound right. I was 5-years-old. That’s crazy.” For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown led the way with 29 points, while Jayson Tatum overcame a slow start to score 16 points and grab 11 rebounds. Derrick White added 15 points, but the loss ended Boston’s four-game winning streak and left them tied with the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference. The Timberwolves’ victory was fueled by a decisive 16-0 run midway through the fourth quarter. Naz Reid, returning from a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, played a pivotal role in the surge, scoring eight consecutive points during the stretch. Reid’s efforts culminated in a three-point play and a 3-pointer, helping Minnesota take control of the game. The Celtics, however, trailed 81-80 before Hyland’s 3-pointer from the right wing gave the Timberwolves a 92-81 lead with 9:05 remaining. The game was marked by early struggles from both teams, as the Celtics missed eight of their first nine three-point attempts, and the Timberwolves shot just 1 for 7 from beyond the arc. Boston’s struggles were evident in the first half, as they squandered a 15-point lead and trailed 47-44 at halftime.#boston_celtics #minnesota_timberwolves #bones_hyland #jaden_mcdaniels #ayo_dosunmu

Wolves' Naz Reid Out for Jazz Game, Opening Door for Joan Beringer The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially ruled out forward Naz Reid for Wednesday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz due to a right ankle injury. Reid, who had been listed as questionable after a collision during Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, will sit out the second half of a back-to-back set for the Wolves. The injury occurred in the first half when Reid landed awkwardly and spent several minutes on the court clutching his ankle, though initial assessments indicated it was not a serious issue. Reid returned to the game and played over nine minutes in the second half, but the team opted to rest him for the upcoming contest. Reid’s absence adds to a challenging situation for the Wolves, who are also without leading scorer Anthony Edwards (knee) for the game. The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, are in a difficult position, having lost 38 of their last 48 games and actively pursuing a tanking strategy to improve their lottery odds. The Jazz are missing several key players, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Jusuf Nurkic, and Walker Kessler, with Ace Bailey listed as questionable. The rotation for Utah’s most recent game included Cody Williams, Andersson Garcia, Elijah Harkless, Isaiah Collier, Brice Sensabaugh, Bez Mbeng, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Blake Hinson—names that are largely unfamiliar to most fans. The Wolves’ opportunity to rest key players like Reid and Edwards could be a strategic advantage, especially as they prepare for a demanding schedule ahead. The team faces the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday followed by three consecutive games against the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Detroit Pistons.#minnesota_timberwolves #utah_jazz #naz_reid #joan_beringer #anthony_edwards

Mitchell Robinson Sends Bold Warning to Entire NBA The New York Knicks needed a wake-up call, and Mitchell Robinson’s recent social media post has made it clear. After a tense 93-92 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on March 21, the Knicks’ center took to Instagram to express his frustration and determination. His message, “Let’s get gritty then. Y’all ain’t gone like this new mindset,” signals a shift in his approach and a call for the team to elevate its performance. Robinson’s post comes after a game where he faced criticism for his physicality. During the matchup against the Nets, he stood over rookie Nolan Traore after being undercut on an alley-oop, leading to a technical foul for taunting. Despite the controversy, Karl-Anthony Towns, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star, defended Robinson’s role on the Knicks. “We need him. We need him on this team. We need him available and healthy,” Towns said, highlighting the importance of Robinson’s physicality and vocal presence. Robinson’s recent performance has been nothing short of dominant. In March 2026, he averaged an astonishing 18.2 rebounds per game while shooting 75% from the field. His efforts have included standout games such as a 22-rebound performance against Indiana, 13 against Utah, and 10 in three separate contests. These numbers underscore his value to the Knicks, as each offensive rebound creates a second-chance opportunity for the team. The Knicks’ reliance on half-court execution makes Robinson’s contributions even more critical. His ability to secure rebounds and create scoring chances gives the team an edge that opponents struggle to counter. However, Robinson’s post also addresses a deeper issue within the team. After the Nets game, he criticized the Knicks’ approach, stating, “They brought the fight to us.#new_york_knicks #karlanthony_towns #minnesota_timberwolves #nolan_traore #mitchell_robinson

Minnesota Timberwolves fans should closely watch five NBA Draft prospects playing in March Madness as the team prepares for its draft pick in June. While the priority remains securing a playoff run, the draft presents an opportunity to address key needs, particularly at point guard. The Timberwolves’ late first-round pick, acquired through a trade with the Detroit Pistons, could land them a player with high upside. Christian Anderson, a guard for Texas Tech, stands out as a potential fit. At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, his size may initially raise concerns, but his skills as a playmaker and shooter make him a compelling option. Anderson averages 8.2 three-pointers per game, converting 42.5% of his attempts, and ranks in the 99th percentile for assist percentage. His ability to thrive in pick-and-roll situations and his poise as a floor general position him well to fill the Wolves’ point guard void. While his late first-round projection may seem risky, his all-around talent could justify a late selection. Tyler Tanner of Vanderbilt offers another small guard option with a strong defensive profile. Despite his 6-foot frame, Tanner averages 2.4 steals and ranks in the 99th percentile for defensive metrics. His playmaking ability is equally impressive, with a 28.9 assist percentage and 37.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Tanner’s combination of defense, ball-handling, and shooting makes him a versatile player, and his team’s strong SEC tournament run could elevate his draft stock. Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 guard from Iowa, represents a taller alternative for the Wolves. While he may be a mid-first-round prospect, his size and skill set make him a safer option compared to smaller guards. Stirtz’s potential to develop into a reliable starter aligns with the team’s need for depth and consistency.#minnesota_timberwolves #detroit_pistons #tyler_tanner #christian_anderson #bennett_stirtz

Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves Game Preview and Betting Insights The Portland Trail Blazers (34-36) will face the Minnesota Timberwolves (43-27) in a Friday night matchup at Target Center in Minneapolis. The game, set for an 8 p.m. ET tip, will feature a team that has seen recent success for both squads. The Timberwolves enter the contest with a strong season series record, holding a 3-0 edge over the Blazers this year. The Trail Blazers have won two consecutive games, including a 127-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Despite the win, they failed to cover as 12.5-point road favorites, with the Over (232.5) hitting. Key contributors were forward Deni Avdija, who scored a game-high 32 points and added 11 rebounds, and center Donovan Clingan, who recorded a double-double with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Minnesota, meanwhile, has also won two straight games, including a dominant 147-111 rout of the Utah Jazz. The Wolves covered as 13.5-point home favorites, with the Over (231.5) again hitting. Guard Ayo Dosunmu led the way with 23 points, while center Rudy Gobert and forward Julius Randle each added 21 points. The teams’ most recent meeting on February 24 saw the Timberwolves edge the Blazers 124-121. The Blazers covered as 6.5-point underdogs, and the Over (234.5) hit again. In the three-game season series, the Wolves are undefeated straight up (SU) but the Blazers have a 2-1 record against the spread (ATS). The Over has been successful in all three matchups. Betting lines for the game, as of Friday at 11:10 a.m. ET, show the Timberwolves as slight favorites. The spread is set at -2.5, with the Wolves listed at -110 and the Blazers at +110. The Over/Under line is at 231.5, with the Over hitting in all three previous games between the teams.#minnesota_timberwolves #portland_trail_blazers #target_center #donovan_clingan #ayos_dosunmu

Timberwolves Face Crucial Test Against Trail Blazers The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on March 20th, 2026, in a matchup that carries significant weight in the Western Conference race. The game, scheduled for 7:00 PM CDT at Target Center, will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and aired on KFAN FM, the Wolves’ app, and iHeart Radio. For the Wolves, this contest represents a pivotal moment as they aim to solidify their standing ahead of a challenging stretch of games. The Wolves’ recent performance has been a mix of promise and inconsistency, but their victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday marked a turning point. Despite missing key players like Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid, and facing a back-to-back schedule, Minnesota executed its game plan with maturity. The win over a depleted Jazz team, which had already lost multiple starters, showcased the Wolves’ ability to rise to the occasion. This followed a hard-fought win against the Phoenix Suns the previous night, where the Wolves managed to secure a critical win without Edwards. The contrast between these two performances highlights the team’s potential to play disciplined basketball when the stakes are high. The Wolves’ success against Utah was not just about overcoming adversity but also about maintaining focus. The Jazz, despite their struggles, still posed a challenge, and Minnesota’s ability to execute without its best player and key bench contributor demonstrated resilience. Ayo Dosunmu stepped into the lead guard role with confidence, Julius Randle continued his strong play, and Rudy Gobert dominated the paint, defending his former team with intensity. These performances underscored the Wolves’ growing maturity, especially as the season enters its final stretch.#minnesota_timberwolves #fan_duel_sports_network #portland_trail_blazers #target_center #kfan_fm

Trail Blazers Face Crucial Contest Against Timberwolves Today The Portland Trail Blazers are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a pivotal matchup as both teams vie for playoff positioning. The game, scheduled for Friday, March 20, at 5:00pm Pacific time, marks the Blazers’ third consecutive road game following victories over the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, have secured two straight wins against the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz, positioning them as the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The Blazers remain tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth and ninth playoff spots, making this contest a critical opportunity to solidify their standing. The game carries significant implications for both teams. For the Blazers, a win could bolster their chances of securing the eighth seed, which would grant them a favorable path through the play-in tournament. The Timberwolves, however, have already clinched a home-court advantage in the play-in round, holding a one-game lead over the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets. With the regular season nearing its conclusion, every result will shape the playoff landscape. Injuries will also play a role in the outcome. The Blazers are missing key players including Damian Lillard, Shaedon Sharpe, and Yang Hansen, while Vit Krejci’s availability remains uncertain. The Timberwolves are without star guard Anthony Edwards, who is sidelined due to a knee injury, and Naz Reid is listed as questionable. Without Edwards, the Timberwolves have relied on versatile contributions from Julius Randle, Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland. Dosunmu, in particular, has stepped up with strong performances, averaging 23 points and six assists in recent games.#minnesota_timberwolves #portland_trail_blazers #damiang_lillard #anthony_edwards #julius_randle

Timberwolves' Naz Reid Suffers Right Shoulder Injury in Loss to Thunder Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves sustained a right shoulder tweak during Sunday’s 116-103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred when Reid collided with Isaiah Hartenstein during a drive to the basket. Hartenstein fell on top of Reid after the play, causing Reid to be sandwiched between the player and the basketball stanchion. Reid was slow to rise from the collision but continued to play through the discomfort, though he appeared visibly affected for the remainder of the game. Reid contributed six points (1-5 from the field, 0-3 from beyond the arc, 4-4 from the free-throw line), four rebounds, and two steals in 28 minutes. Despite the injury, he did not require a trip to the locker room, but his mobility and effectiveness were noticeably impacted. The Timberwolves’ coaching staff did not provide an immediate update on the severity of the injury, though Reid’s ability to finish the game suggests the issue may not be immediately debilitating. The incident occurred in the second quarter, and Reid’s discomfort persisted throughout the contest. While he managed to stay on the court, his performance was inconsistent with the injury affecting his movement and shooting accuracy. The team’s next two games, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, will be critical in assessing the extent of Reid’s injury. Coaches will likely monitor his condition closely to determine if he requires additional rest or treatment. Fantasy managers are advised to keep an eye on Reid’s availability for the upcoming back-to-back games. The Timberwolves’ schedule will test Reid’s recovery, and his ability to maintain his usual output will depend on how quickly he can recover from the shoulder tweak.#oklahoma_city_thunder #minnesota_timberwolves #nba_season #naz_reid #isaiah_hartenstein

Naz Reid Questionable for First Game of Back-to-Back Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid has been listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns due to a right shoulder contusion sustained during Sunday’s loss to Oklahoma City. The injury has left his availability uncertain for the first game of a back-to-back schedule, prompting the team to consider alternative options to manage his workload. If Reid is unable to play, additional minutes are expected to be distributed to Kyle Anderson and Joan Beringer, though neither player is considered a strong fantasy option. The Wolves aim to protect Reid from further injury risk, particularly as the team navigates a demanding schedule. Reid’s status remains a key concern for Minnesota’s coaching staff, who will assess his condition ahead of Tuesday’s matchup. The injury report highlights the potential impact of his absence on the team’s offensive dynamics, especially given his role as a versatile big man capable of contributing in multiple areas. The decision to limit his playing time reflects a cautious approach to ensure his long-term health, even as the team seeks to maintain competitive performance in a challenging stretch of games. The injury adds to a growing list of concerns for the Timberwolves, who are balancing the need to keep key players healthy while managing their roster depth. With the Suns presenting a formidable opponent, the Wolves’ ability to adapt their lineup will be critical. The potential shift in minutes could also affect the team’s overall strategy, as they look to maximize efficiency in both offensive and defensive schemes. Reid’s situation underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between leveraging a player’s contributions and preserving their health.#phoenix_suns #minnesota_timberwolves #naz_reid #kyle_anderson #joan_beringer

Fantasy Basketball Picks, DFS, and Betting Tips for Sunday's NBA Games Sunday’s NBA schedule features a mix of high-stakes matchups and potential streaming opportunities, with several games offering favorable conditions for fantasy managers and bettors. The day kicks off with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at 1 p.m. ET, where the Thunder are heavy favorites at -10 points. Five of the seven games on the slate have spreads of at least 7.5 points, highlighting the disparity in team strength across the board. The Detroit Pistons face the Toronto Raptors in a matchup that could serve as a litmus test for both teams, while the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings’ game offers intriguing streaming options due to their young, depth-laden rosters. For fantasy managers, key players to target include Brice Sensabaugh of the Utah Jazz, who is expected to see significant minutes and should thrive against the Kings’ perimeter defense. Quentin Grimes of the Philadelphia 76ers is also a strong option, as he is likely to lead the team in scoring opportunities against the Trail Blazers. Precious Achiuwa of the Kings could dominate the Jazz’s undersized frontcourt, while Scoot Henderson of the Trail Blazers is a high-risk, high-reward streamer with a recent surge in production. Betting angles include Cody Williams of the Jazz, who is projected to exceed 16.5 total points and rebounds, and Scoot Henderson, who is favored to score over 13.5 points against a depleted 76ers defense. DFS players should consider Deni Avdija of the Trail Blazers, who could exploit the weak Philadelphia frontcourt, and Jalen Duren of the Pistons, who will have a size advantage against the Cavaliers.#oklahoma_city_thunder #toronto_raptors #minnesota_timberwolves #utah_jazz #detroit_pistons

Bronny James Recalled by Lakers from G League The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled Bronny James from the G League's South Bay Lakers, according to a report by Ryan Ward of SI.com. The move comes as James prepares to return to the parent club ahead of its scheduled game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. James, a second-year guard, joined the South Bay Lakers for Tuesday’s practice session but will now rejoin the main roster for the upcoming matchup. James has appeared in two games since the All-Star break, accumulating a total of 11 minutes of playing time. His return to the Lakers does not guarantee he will see action in the game against Minnesota, as the team may opt to prioritize other players for the matchup. The decision to recall him reflects the Lakers’ ongoing evaluation of his readiness for the NBA level, particularly given his limited minutes in recent appearances. The recall highlights the Lakers’ efforts to integrate James into the team’s roster while balancing the need for immediate contributions. With the team’s schedule approaching key matchups, the coaching staff may use this opportunity to assess James’ performance in a more competitive setting. However, his limited playing time so far suggests that he remains a longshot to make an impact in this particular game. The move also underscores the challenges faced by young players transitioning from the G League to the NBA. While James has shown potential in limited opportunities, his ability to secure a regular role will depend on his performance in subsequent games and the team’s strategic needs. The Lakers’ decision to bring him back indicates a cautious approach, aiming to provide him with valuable experience without overexposing him to high-pressure situations.#los_angeles_lakers #minnesota_timberwolves #bronny_james #south_bay_lakers #ryan_ward

Los Angeles Lakers Announce Dalton Knecht Roster Move The Los Angeles Lakers have officially assigned Dalton Knecht to the G League’s South Bay team ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The move comes after Knecht did not play in the Lakers’ previous game against the New York Knicks, which ended in a 110-97 home victory. Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been sidelined for the past two games, with the Lakers opting to send him to the G League to gain more playing time. Knecht, who played college basketball for Tennessee, has appeared in just one G League game this season. In that contest, he recorded 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block while shooting 10 of 17 from the field and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc. His performance in the G League has been a positive sign for his development, as he continues to refine his shooting and overall game. The Lakers, currently sitting with a 39-25 record in 64 games, are in the midst of a two-game winning streak. They are set to host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday following their game against the Timberwolves. The team’s recent success has been fueled by a balanced attack, with Knecht’s potential as a three-point shooter being a key factor in their offensive strategy. Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ iconic former player and current team president, praised Knecht’s selection in the 2024 draft, calling him “just what the Lakers need.” Johnson highlighted Knecht’s ability as a deadly three-point shooter, his physicality, and his swagger, noting that his college experience at Tennessee under coach Rick Barnes prepared him for the NBA. “Dalton has a chance to start or play a lot off the bench,” Johnson wrote in a 2024 statement. Knecht’s season averages include 4.3 points and 1.#los_angeles_lakers #minnesota_timberwolves #chicago_bulls #g_league #dalton_knecht

Bronny James Dealt Bad News on Tuesday Bronny James faced another setback in his second NBA season as the Los Angeles Lakers reassigned him to the G-League ahead of their home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The young guard, who entered the 2025-26 season with hopes of making a significant leap after a challenging rookie year, has struggled to secure consistent minutes in the NBA. Despite being recalled to the main roster earlier in the week following a win over the New York Knicks, James was sent back to the South Bay Lakers for further development. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after one season at USC, James spent much of his rookie year splitting time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate. During the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 27 NBA games, averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 6.7 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency was limited, with a 31.3% field goal clip and 28.1% three-point accuracy. The Lakers’ focus on long-term development meant James often played second fiddle to more experienced players. Entering his second season, there was optimism that James would see a clearer path to the NBA. However, the pattern has repeated itself, with the 22-year-old averaging 2.1 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 rebounds in 31 games this season. His time in the G-League has provided more opportunities, where he has averaged 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 games. These numbers highlight his potential when given extended minutes, showcasing improved offensive rhythm and playmaking ability. The Lakers’ decision to send James back to the G-League underscores the challenges he faces in earning a consistent role in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.#los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #minnesota_timberwolves #bronny_james #south_bay_lakers

Lakers’ Health, Chemistry Far More Important Than Homecourt Advantage The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating one of the most challenging stretches of their season, facing nine of their next 11 games against playoff-bound teams, including six matchups against Western Conference rivals vying for playoff positioning. With 18 games remaining in the 82-game NBA season, the race for playoff seeding has intensified, turning the final stretch into a high-stakes sprint. Every win feels like a strategic advantage, while every loss risks derailing their postseason hopes. The next nine days could determine whether the Lakers secure homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, but the question remains: Is homecourt advantage truly the priority? While players and coaches publicly acknowledge the value of homecourt, the reality of the NBA playoffs—particularly in the Western Conference—reveals that matchups and team health often outweigh geographic advantages. The Lakers currently sit tied for fifth in the West, with Minnesota in third, Houston in fourth, and Denver in fifth. Over the next nine days, they will face all these teams, including a critical series against Minnesota, Denver, and a back-to-back road trip to Houston. Winning their next five games could secure a third-place finish and homecourt advantage, but the focus must extend beyond seeding. Last season’s playoff run offers a cautionary tale. Despite finishing third in the West and holding a strong home record, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves’ dominance at Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers had a 31-10 home record, underscored how matchups can override home-court benefits.#minnesota #los_angeles_lakers #minnesota_timberwolves #denver #houston

JJ Redick sees Lakers' tough upcoming schedule as opportunity The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled this season by failing to secure victories against strong opponents. They have done fairly well against teams with lower winning percentages, but entering Sunday, they were just 4-12 against squads with at least a .600 record. This trend shifted slightly after a 110-97 win over the New York Knicks, one of the Eastern Conference's top contenders. The Lakers' victory marked their first time this season playing consistently aggressive and effective defense, holding the Knicks to 42.7% shooting and 23.5% from beyond the arc while forcing 19 turnovers. The win kicked off a challenging 15-day stretch for the Lakers, featuring matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Detroit Pistons. Many analysts believe this series of games will be pivotal in determining whether the team can sustain a playoff run. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of these contests, framing them as opportunities rather than obstacles. “Having a lot of opportunities over the next 10 games or so to win some of those games is the good news for us,” Redick said. “Last night’s game was important because it was one we’ve struggled with all year. They made several runs that went into double digits, but we kept playing and had a one-possession game with a minute left. I’m confident we’ll find a way, but figuring out how is something you have to do daily.” The victory moved the Lakers into fifth place in the Western Conference with a 39-25 record. They trail the fourth-place Rockets by half a game and the third-place Timberwolves by one game. If the team performs well in March, they could potentially reclaim third place in the West, mirroring their late-season surge from last year.#los_angeles_lakers #new_york_knicks #jj_redick #denver_nuggets #minnesota_timberwolves

Lakers’ LeBron James Will Miss Wednesday Game Amid Injury Concerns Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his third consecutive absence after sustaining an injury during last week’s matchup in Denver. Lakers coach JJ Redick indicated that James is still day-to-day, with the 41-year-old player nursing a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis. The injury occurred when James fell during a play against the Denver Nuggets, which also resulted in a left elbow contusion. Redick noted that James is actively working to return to the court, emphasizing the player’s desire to be back in action. “He wants to be out there. So do we. Hopefully he’s back soon,” Redick said. Despite completing pre-game warmups ahead of Sunday’s win over the New York Knicks, the Lakers have listed James as unavailable for Wednesday’s contest. The team remains uncertain whether he will be ready for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls or Saturday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers, currently ranked fifth in the Western Conference with a 39-25 record, trail the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets by one game. The team has faced both teams in recent matchups, going 2-0 against Minnesota and losing to the Rockets on Christmas Day. The Lakers are set to face the Rockets in a two-game series on March 16 and 18. While James has been sidelined for several games, the Lakers have managed a 9-2 record in contests featuring Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in his absence. However, the team has dismissed suggestions that they perform better without James, highlighting his critical role in their success. James missed the entire training camp and the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica on his right side.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #denver_nuggets #minnesota_timberwolves

LeBron James misses third straight game, sits out against Wolves LeBron James failed to play in his third consecutive game as the Los Angeles Lakers continued to navigate challenges on the court. The team’s star forward, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise for over a decade, was sidelined for the matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking another absence in a troubling stretch for the veteran player. The decision to sit James came after he had already missed two prior contests, raising questions about his availability and the team’s strategy moving forward. The Lakers’ coaching staff and medical team have been closely monitoring James’ condition, with no official explanation provided for his ongoing absence. While the team has not disclosed the nature of his injury or the timeline for his return, the situation has sparked discussions among analysts and fans about the impact of his absence on the team’s performance. James, known for his ability to carry a team in critical moments, has been a key factor in the Lakers’ playoff aspirations, and his continued absence has left a noticeable void in their lineup. The decision to sit James for the Wolves game followed a pattern of strategic substitutions and rest periods, which have been part of the Lakers’ approach to managing their star player’s workload. However, the lack of clarity surrounding his availability has raised concerns about the team’s ability to maintain consistency in the absence of their leading scorer and playmaker. With the regular season entering its final stretch, the Lakers face mounting pressure to secure a playoff berth, and James’ absence has added an extra layer of difficulty to their efforts.#lebron_james #nba #los_angeles_lakers #minnesota_timberwolves #playoff_aspirations

Tyus Jones Signs With Nuggets The Denver Nuggets have officially signed point guard Tyus Jones, the team confirmed on March 5, 2026. The deal, which was finalized after Jones was waived by the Dallas Mavericks on March 2, includes a salary of $814,552 for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Denver will carry a cap charge of $514,682 as part of the agreement. Jones, 29, was expected to join the Nuggets after his release by Dallas, which occurred before the March 2 roster deadline. His agent, Kevin Bradbury, confirmed the move to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Nuggets had one open roster spot and used it to sign Jones, who retains playoff eligibility due to his release before the deadline. Jones will receive a prorated portion of the veteran’s minimum salary for the rest of the season, according to The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando. The 24th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Jones is entering his 11th NBA season. Known for his playmaking and ball-handling skills, he has averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 0.8 turnovers in 20.7 minutes per game across 738 regular-season appearances for teams including Minnesota, Memphis, Washington, Phoenix, Orlando, and Dallas. Jones’ recent NBA journey has been marked by frequent roster changes. After four-year stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, he joined the Orlando Magic in 2025 on a one-year, $7 million deal. However, he struggled in Orlando, averaging 3.1 points and 2.6 assists while shooting .349 from the field. The Magic traded him to the Charlotte Hornets in a salary-dump deal to stay under the luxury tax threshold, and Charlotte later sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. Jones appeared in eight games for the Mavericks, averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 assists while shooting .382 from the field.#denver_nuggets #dallas_mavericks #minnesota_timberwolves #memphis_grizzlies #tyus_jones