The Minnesota Timberwolves will return to action Friday night at Target Center against the Charlotte Hornets in their first game since the All-Star break. They will head into a crucial stretch of games to end the season, and will need as many wins as possible to ensure they end up in the playoff picture come April.
Friday’s contest with the Hornets will be yet another game against a subpar opponent, which could spell trouble. Heading into the All-Star break, Minnesota fell at home to Washington to give the Wizards a season sweep of the Timberwolves. The Pistons, Rockets, and Spurs are all tanking teams that have earned one or more wins over the Wolves this season. Minnesota will need to stay focused to avoid handing the Hornets a season sweep over them as well.
The biggest question heading into the game is concerning Karl-Anthony Towns’ health. Having been sidelined since November 28 with a calf strain, many Timberwolves fans thought Towns may be done for the season at this point. But recently, it was revealed that he is hoping to make a return to the court before the end of the regular season. Will he be on the floor when Minnesota faces Charlotte? Here are the latest injury updates.
Karl-Anthony Towns injury status vs Hornets
Per the Minnesota Timberwolves’ official injury report, Karl-Anthony Towns remains listed out for Friday night’s contest with the Hornets. It had been speculated that he could return sometime in the final 10 to 15 games of the season for the Wolves, so it seems unlikely his status will change before tip-off.
The calf strain that has kept KAT out of action since the fall has been a major disruptor to the Timberwolves’ season, but it does appear there is optimism a return could be happening soon.
Full Timberwolves injury report vs Hornets
Besides Towns, the only other Wolves who are listed on the injury report vs the Hornets are the two rookies on G-League assignments with the Iowa Wolves. Josh Minott and Wendell Moore will both not be with the team on Friday.
Players like Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gobert who have been battling various nagging injuries all season are both set to suit up against Charlotte.
UPDATE: The Timberwolves announced on Friday they have recalled Josh Minott from the G-League, and he will be available against the Hornets.
Full Hornets injury report vs Timberwolves
Kelly Oubre underwent left hand surgery and has been absent for the Hornets since December, but is probable to return to the lineup for Charlotte against the Timberwolves. Terry Rozier is also probable to play with a right hand sprain.
Cody Martin is still listed as out for the Hornets. He has been sidelined since January 14 with left knee soreness, and will remain on the bench for this one.
Minnesota Timberwolves upcoming schedule and opponents
The Timberwolves will have just 20 games remaining in the regular season after Friday’s home contest with the Hornets. They will be taking on one of the most difficult remaining schedules of any Western Conference team.
Minnesota will be looking to build on their 15-9 record since the calendar hit 2023. With a revamped roster and Anthony Edwards playing at a higher level than ever before, they are in a good position to continue climbing up.
After facing Charlotte, the Timberwolves will travel to California for a four-game road trip before returning home to face one of the hottest teams in the East.
- at Golden State Warriors: Sunday, February 26
- at Los Angeles Clippers: Tuesday, February 28
- at Los Angeles Lakers: Friday, March 3
- at Sacramento Kings: Saturday, March 4
- vs Philadelphia 76ers: Tuesday, March 7