The Timberwolves' upcoming schedule has seemingly gotten a bit easier. On Friday night, Minnesota’s defense was consistently exposed, with much of the damage done by Luka Doncic. On Sunday, Shams Charania tweeted that Doncic will miss at least one week due to a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion. That would force the 26-year-old superstar to be sidelined for the Lakers’ second matchup against the Wolves this season which will occur on Wednesday.
Lakers' Luka Doncic is out for at least one week with a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 26, 2025
Luka Doncic will miss Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves
It was a masterclass performance for Doncic in the Lakers’ 128-110 victory over Minnesota. He finished the win with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. In his 35 minutes of action, he shot 14-23 from the field, 5-12 from 3-point range, and 16-19 from the foul line. No matter what the Wolves threw at Doncic, they could not find an answer to slowing him down.
That was the Lakers’ second outing of the season. In the opener, Doncic had 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, although the Warriors were able to secure the win. ‘Skinny’ Luka was off to a ridiculous start through two games. Do the math, and he's averaging 46 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in his first 2 outings.
Now, the Timberwolves will get to play against the Lakers with Doncic (and LeBron James) unavailable. Other than Austin Reaves, it's hard to see someone on LA's roster who should strike any fear in Minnesota on the defensive end.
Still have two games to play before they face the Lakers
While the Doncic news makes a Timberwolves victory at home more likely on Wednesday, they have other matters to deal with before then. They still have 2 games on the schedule before their meeting with the Lakers.
That game against the Lakers will be the third outing of a three-game homestand for Minnesota. First, the Timberwolves take on the undermanned Pacers Sunday night, a game they are heavily favored in. Then, in the second leg of a back-to-back, Minnesota is facing a Nuggets team that they are quite familiar with.
The Lakers game on Wednesday will be the Wolves fifth regular season contest. They are 1-1 to start the year with the loss against the Lakers and an opening night victory against the Trail Blazers.
On Sunday, the Timberwolves are looking to win their 10th straight home season opener. They haven't lost their first game at Target Center in the regular season since 2015.