Minnesota Timberwolves breakout guard Ayo Dosunmu won’t suit up on Thursday night in Game 6 of the team’s first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Minnesota is up 3-2 despite losing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to season-ending injuries in Game 4. Dosunmu was responsible for it, averaging 21.8 points and 4.0 assists on 60.9% shooting, including 54.5% from deep and 95.4% from the free-throw line.
The Nuggets had no answers for his paint attacks. It was the most reliable weapon Minnesota has had all series, with Edwards not at his best due to a lingering knee injury. However, the Timberwolves will not have to endure Dosunmu’s absence as well, as he’s dealing with right calf soreness.
The Timberwolves face a steep challenge ahead to avoid becoming one of the latest teams to blow a 3-1 lead in the NBA playoffs. Along with Edwards, DiVincenzo and Dosunmu, the Timberwolves will also miss Kyle Anderson, who provided crucial minutes in the frontcourt in the last game. Anderson is out with an illness.
Bones Hyland was another guard on the injury report, but the former Nuggets player is available to play. He was questionable due to right knee soreness and will be closely monitored.
A calf strain means Ayo Dosunmu could also miss Game 7 if Nuggets avoid elimination again
NBA teams take calf strains more seriously than other injuries due to the long-term repercussions they can have. It can cause Achilles tears, which can not only end a player’s current season in April but also the next season. Tyrese Haliburton and Kevin Durant are among the players who have faced such issues.
With Ayo Dosunmu also dealing with a calf strain, the Timberwolves are unlikely to risk him in Game 7 and potentially not have him for the next season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Game 6 starting lineup in Ayo Dosunmu’s absence
The Timberwolves will start Mike Conley at point guard and Terrence Shannon Jr. will replace Ayo Dosunmu at shooting guard. Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert will retain their places in the frontcourt.
