Timberwolves vs. Thunder: Rudy Gobert’s Status Looms Large in Western Clash
The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for a big-time Western Conference showdown Thursday night as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the spotlight isn’t just on the standings-it’s on the status of Rudy Gobert.
The big man is officially listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle, while veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. has already been ruled out due to lingering back spasms. That’s a significant blow to Minnesota’s backcourt stability, but Gobert’s availability could be the real swing factor in this matchup.
Let’s rewind for a second. Gobert turned in a strong performance in Minnesota’s recent 118-105 win over the Dallas Mavericks-a game that followed an emotional moment for the center, who shared a heartfelt message in the wake of the tragic shootings in Minneapolis. He played through the pain, helping the Wolves secure a much-needed win, but suffered the ankle injury in the process.
That victory came just one night after Minnesota snapped a four-game losing streak with a dominant 108-83 win over the Golden State Warriors. And Gobert?
He was central to that effort, posting a classic double-double line: 15 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. It was vintage Gobert-anchoring the paint, cleaning the glass, and altering shots like only he can.
Through January, the Timberwolves have managed a 7-5 record despite a rough stretch that included five losses in six games. Gobert’s consistency has been a stabilizing force.
He’s averaging 10.8 points per game on a hyper-efficient 70.7% shooting clip, pulling down 11.2 rebounds (third-best in the league), and swatting 1.7 shots per contest. That kind of production on both ends doesn’t just show up in the box score-it defines the Wolves’ identity.
Now, Minnesota finds itself in the second game of a back-to-back, fresh off the win over Dallas. Julius Randle led the way with 31 points, while All-Star guard Anthony Edwards chipped in a well-rounded 20-point effort, adding six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Edwards, who had been dealing with his own injury concerns, has been cleared to play, offering a crucial boost to the Wolves' perimeter attack.
But the Thunder aren’t coming in quietly. With Isaiah Hartenstein back in action and teaming up with Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, Oklahoma City brings a twin-tower look that demands elite rim protection.
That’s where Gobert’s presence-or absence-could tip the scales. His ability to control the paint and neutralize size is exactly what the Timberwolves need to counter the Thunder’s length.
This matchup also carries a little extra juice. The Timberwolves handed OKC just its third loss of the season back in December, dropping the defending champs to 25-3 just six days before Christmas.
That win avenged a 113-105 loss in late November at the Paycom Center. Now, with the season series tied 1-1, Thursday’s game serves as the rubber match-and both sides know what’s at stake.
As for the injury report, here’s how things stand going into the night:
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Rudy Gobert - Questionable (Left ankle sprain)
- Mike Conley Jr. - Out (Back spasms)
- Terrance Shannon Jr. - Out (Left foot; abductor hallucis strain)
- Alex Caruso - Out (Right adductor strain)
- Ajay Mitchell - Out (Abdominal strain)
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Cason Wallace - Questionable (Left hip soreness)
- Jalen Williams - Out (Right hamstring strain)
So, will Gobert suit up tonight? That remains the big question.
The Timberwolves would certainly benefit from having their defensive anchor in the lineup against one of the West’s most dynamic young teams. If he’s good to go, Minnesota’s chances of taking the season series and keeping pace in the standings get a major boost.
If not, they’ll need to lean even harder on Edwards, Randle, and their depth to hold the line.
Either way, the Target Center is set for a heavyweight battle-and Gobert’s status could be the deciding factor.