The Timberwolves are embarking on a four-game road tilt that tips off Monday in Oklahoma City and wraps up on Sunday against Phoenix.
Shams Charania of ESPN reports (Twitter video link) that Minnesota could be getting some reinforcements during that stretch, with starting forward Julius Randle and starting point guard Donte DiVincenzo primed to return from long-term injuries.
Randle has been on the shelf with a groin injury since January 30. As Charania notes, the Timberwolves had gone 10-4 during their last 14 contests with Randle available, including a five-game win streak.
Randle, 30, has struggled somewhat to adjust to his new environs during his first season with Minnesota. In 48 healthy contests, the 6’9″ forward is averaging 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
DiVincenzo has been sidelined since January 15 due to a toe ailment. The Villanova alum was elevated to the starting lineup in his last six games before his injury absence and averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest during that stretch.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, meanwhile, has been on the shelf since February 12 with a back injury and will not be back during this road trip.
Minnesota’s injury woes and general chemistry issues have led the club to a middling 31-26 record on the year so far, good for just the West’s No. 7 seed.
Doesn’t seem like things are going well for Randle and Donte in Minny. I thought it had a chance to do well. Both could be moved next yr. If true. Sure like to see Knicks look at Donte. Even in a three way. If TWolves make a move for KD.
Al – IMO, Donte was a great fit great with the Knicks, but now they’ve got about 5 other potential starters just like him: slightly over-average, and not good enough to compete with the superior talent in Boston and Cleveland.
Knicks now realize they fooled themselves about Bridges and Anunoby. Those 2 are what they have always been: high-end role players. At least Bridges is not overpaid. The 5 year, $220M deal for Anunoby is a massive problem going forward.
Until the Knicks can get another star, they’re second-tier.
Randle coming back? That’s some positive news (for Timberwolves opponents)
Yep, wish he’d stay hurt. What an overrated undersized PF.