The Minnesota Timberwolves will be back in action on Friday Night for the first time since their big Christmas Day win over the Mavericks. The Wolves will travel to Houston to take on a Rockets team that currently sits in second place in the Western Conference standings.
It will be the second matchup between these two teams this season, and the first since Minnesota's overtime loss to Houston on November 26. The Timberwolves will be looking to win their second game in a row after dropping their previous three contests. Generating consistent offense will be a big part of that, but their task may become harder with the latest injury update.
Is Nickeil Alexander-Walker playing tonight against Houston?
Late Friday morning, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was added to the official injury report. He is currently listed as questionable with an illness.
This is obviously a big potential blow for a team that already utilizes a thin rotation. Should NAW be ruled out, Chris Finch would likely be forced to lean more heavily on Josh Minott. Otherwise, Minnesota would be giving a lot of minutes to their top seven players.
UPDATE: Alexander-Walker has been cleared to play against Houston.
Timberwolves projected starting lineup vs Rockets
Even if Alexander-Walker is ruled out, the starting lineup should remain the same.
Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards
Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves injury report
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (illness) is questionable for Minnesota. Joe Ingles (left soleus strain) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday's game. Jaylen Clark (two-way), Jesse Edwards (two-way), Luka Garza (left ankle sprain) and Daishen Nix (right ankle sprain) are all out against the Rockets. Everyone else is available to play.
Rockets projected starting lineup vs Timberwolves
Jabari Smith Jr.
Amen Thompson
Alperen Sengun
Fred VanVleet
Jalen Green
Rockets injury report
Houston has not yet submitted an official injury report for Friday's game. In their Thursday night win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Tari Eason (lower leg) and Dillon Brooks (ankle) were both ruled out.
How to watch Timberwolves-Rockets
Unlike Wednesday's Christmas Day game, Timberwolves vs Rockets will not be shown on national television. Wolves fans can tune in to the game on FanDuel Sports Network where Michael Grady and Jim Peterson will call the game.
Fans located outside the Twin Cities can also find the game on NBA League Pass.
Timberwolves' next five regular season games
Sunday, December 29 vs San Antonio Spurs (7:00 PM CT on FDSS)
Tuesday, December 31 at Oklahoma City Thunder (7:00 PM CT on NBA TV)
Thursday, January 2 vs Boston Celtics (6:30 PM CT on TNT)
Saturday, January 4 at Detroit Pistons (6:00 PM CT on FDSS)
Monday, January 6 vs LA Clippers (7:00 PM CT on FDSS)