Thus far in the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played 21 games. They have a 13-8 record which isn't ideal. However, where the Timberwolves have had better luck than the majority of other teams is on the injury front.
Five members of their team have appeared in each and every one of those 21 (Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley). There have been notable players out throughout the league who have been out, something that Minnesota hasn’t experienced all that frequently.
Despite not having the start they had hoped for Wolves fans can be grateful for their health.
Timberwolves have remained relatively healthy all season
Slightly more than a quarter of the way through the regular season, the Timberwolves have seen just one injury keep a player out for more than a handful of games. That is Terrence Shannon Jr., who missed no games in November with a left foot fifth metatarsal bone bruise.
In 16 of their 21 outings, the Wolves have used their preferred starting lineup. As mentioned, Randle, DiVincenzo, and Gobert have yet to sit out a game. Otherwise, a right hamstring strain kept Anthony Edwards out for four, and Jaden McDaniels missed just one with a sprained left wrist.
Other than Shannon Jr., the key reserves haven’t missed all that much time either. Jaylen Clark missed two outings at the end of October with a calf ailment. Rob Dillingham missed one, also towards the end of October, with a fractured nose.
Injuries seen throughout the league
Look around the league, and nearly every other team hasn’t had the sustained bill of health that Minnesota has. Just looking at the Western Conference, half of the other 14 teams don’t have a single player that has appeared in all their team’s games (Clippers, Kings, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs).
Some notable stars around the league who have played in fewer than 10 games this season include Jalen Williams, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Tyler Herro, and Darius Garland.
The only team out West that has more than Minnesota's five players that haven't missed a game is the Grizzlies. While they have six guys who have yet to miss an outing, star point guard Ja Morant has been out for 10 of their 22 games. Zach Edey missed the first 13 contests to begin the year, while Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Brandon Clarke have yet to even play.
Barring a late change to the injury report, the Timberwolves are expected to be at full strength for their Thursday night contest against the Pelicans. New Orleans is another team that has seen the injury bug diminish their team all season, including Zion Williamson who will be out with an adductor strain.