The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the New York Knicks on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT. This will be the second meeting between the two teams, with the Knicks winning the last game 137-114. Last year, the two teams split the season series.
Of course, the Wolves and Knicks will always be connected after the blockbuster trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo. Seeing KAT back in the Target Center for the second time will be a special moment for Wolves fans.
Here's a full injury report ahead of Tuesday's game.
12/23 Timberwolves injury report vs. Knicks
- Jaden McDaniels (Left Oblique Contusion) - OUT
- Joan Beringer (G League) - AVAILABLE
- Enrique Freeman (G League) - AVAILABLE
- Rocco Zikarsky (G League) - AVAILABLE
- Joe Ingles (Personal) - OUT
The biggest part of the Wolves' injury report is that Jaden McDaniels is out with an oblique contusion. McDaniels left the game after playing just nine minutes during Sunday's game. He was first listed as questionable but has since been ruled out, so luckily, this isn't a long-term injury. McDaniels has been the ultimate ironman, only missing one game in the past two seasons.
Mike Conley, who started the second half and closed the game on Sunday, will likely slide into the starting five. Beyond that, Terrence Shannon Jr. is one candidate to see a bigger role off the bench. McDaniels is averaging a career-high 15 points, so his possible absence will be significant. Given that he was questionable at first, though, it's fair to expect he'll return on Christmas night.
While it likely won't impact the rotation, it's worth noting that all of the two-way players and rookie Joan Beringer, who was assigned to the G League, are all active. The Iowa Wolves don't play until the 27th, so it seems like Minnesota will keep these players active for the next two games.
12/23 Knicks injury report vs. Timberwolves
- Jalen Brunson (Ankle) - OUT
- OG Anunoby (Ankle) - OUT
- Miles McBride (Ankle) - OUT
- Guerschon Yabusele (Illness) - OUT
- Landry Shamet (Shoulder) - OUT
- Pacome Dadiet (G League) - AVAILABLE
The Knicks injury report is more lengthy. Playing without two starters and two of their three best players in Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be tricky. Of course, the Knicks' offense will take a massive hit. However, this could pave the way for Towns to have a big game in his return to the Twin Cities.
The Knicks are also losing their best defender on Ant. During their first game of the season back in November, OG held Edwards to 2-for-7 shooting. Mikal Bridges will take on primary defensive duties on Ant. While Brunson and Anunoby are out, it doesn't appear to be a long-term injury, and both players should play on Christmas Day.
Undoubtedly, the Knicks' injuries should make things easier for the Wolves, but they'll still need to take care of business.