The LA Lakers are expected to have an advantage in their seventh-seed play-in game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to Rudy Gobert’s suspension. Gobert was suspended after an altercation with teammate Kyle Anderson during the Timberwolves’ season finale 113-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. In this crucial game against the Lakers, the Timberwolves will also be without forward Jaden McDaniels, their best perimeter defender.
Rudy Gobert’s Suspension
Rudy Gobert was sent home for the rest of the game following his punch on Kyle Anderson in the chest. They had gotten into a verbal altercation on the bench during the Timberwolves’ season finale. Minnesota decided to suspend Gobert for their important game against the Lakers, leaving them short-handed and impacting their chances.
Jaden McDaniels’ Injury
Minnesota will also miss the services of forward Jaden McDaniels, who broke his right hand after punching a wall in frustration during the team’s final game. Losing their best perimeter defender can significantly weaken the Timberwolves’ defense and give the LA Lakers a better chance at winning.
Increased Pressure on the Lakers
Despite the Timberwolves’ shorthanded situation, ESPN’s Max Kellerman believes that the absence of Gobert and McDaniels puts more pressure on the Lakers to win. He expressed this opinion on the KJM podcast, suggesting that this game represents an opportunity for the Lakers that they are expected to capitalize on.
