The Minnesota Timberwolves will face off against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday in Game 3 of the second round. The Timberwolves’ goal will be to bounce back after losing to the Spurs 133-95 in Game 2. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves could be without a key player as they continue walking a fine line managing injuries.
Ayo Dosunmu, who returned from a two-game absence with calf soreness, found himself on the injury report again with a different injury. The 26-year-old had been dealing with a recurring calf issue that worsened in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. He missed the Timberwolves’ closeout Game 7 and subsequently Game 1 of the second-round series against the Spurs.
On Wednesday, he marked his return to the court but struggled massively. He went scoreless, shooting 0-for-4 from the field while recording one steal and one block. Ayo Dosunmu played just 10 minutes in his return, which is well below his career average of 27.9 minutes, and there were a few situations where he appeared to be struggling with an injury later revealed to be right heel soreness.
He is a game-time decision as the team has listed him questionable, but the general expectation is that he will most likely see limited minutes barring any late setback leading up to the tipoff.
Dosunmu has been dominant in these playoffs before the injury. He has taken pressure off the top players and allowed the offense not to rely solely on Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, who is now out injured, to score.
He put up a career-high 43 points in Game 4 of the first-round series. He has averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds this postseason. He must continue to play his gritty style and attack the basket more if the Timberwolves want a chance to come back in this series.
But Ayo Dosunmu isn’t the only important Timberwolves player dealing with some issues. Guard Anthony Edwards has been struggling with a knee bone bruise. He came off the bench in Games 1 and 2 but was once again listed as questionable with the same injury.
Edwards posted a game-worst minus-33 in the Game 2 blowout loss. He scored 12 points and made just 5 of 13 shots while also committing four turnovers. He will need to bring his A-game if the Timberwolves want to go toe-to-toe with Victor Wembanyama & Co. in this series.
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