Bones

Hyland

Injuries to Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) have made Hyland a more important player within the Timberwolves’ rotation, even if he continues to come off the bench. His availability is good news for Minnesota as it looks to close out the series, and Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is still considered questionable.

Already without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), the Timberwolves could be down two more guards for Thursday’s game. Dosunmu, who dropped a career-high 43 points in Game 4, is dealing with a sore right calf. He joins Bones Hyland (knee) as a Timberwolves guard who is questionable going into a game that Minnesota must win to avoid a Game 7. Terrence Shannon Jr. would see his playing time increase if Dosunmu or Hyland can’t play.

Under normal circumstances, Hyland’s availability would not significantly affect the Timberwolves’ rotation. However, he has taken on added responsibilities with Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) sidelined. If Hyland can’t play on Thursday, look for Terrence Shannon Jr. to see his playing time increase after logging 14 minutes in Game 5.

Edwards suffered a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee in the second quarter of Game 4 and is expected to miss multiple weeks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The loss is a big one for the Timberwolves, who have a 3-1 series lead over the Nuggets in the opening round. Minnesota also lost starting guard Donte DiVincenzo to a season-ending torn Achilles in Game 4. Without Edwards and DiVincenzo, Bones Hyland and Ayo Dosunmu should see the bulk of the backcourt minutes going forward.

While Dosunmu and Conley played rotation minutes in Friday’s win over the Rockets, Hyland was unavailable due to a hip injury. All three will sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, which opens things up for Terrence Shannon Jr. Given how well he played against the Rockets, it would be unsurprising if Shannon had a big Sunday against New Orleans.

Hyland’s absence should mean more run for Ayo Dosunmu, especially if Anthony Edwards is ruled out again.

Hyland played 23 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Magic. He’s likely to take on a similar role on Friday if available. How high a ceiling he’ll have in active fantasy leagues depends on the statuses of Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu, who are also questionable.

The Timberwolves are waiving the white flag against Orlando, and most of the regular starters are expected to be sidelined. Bones Hyland should see a major bump in usage and playing time tonight with both Dosunmu and Conley out of action.

Hyland continues to offer solid offensive production off the bench as the Timberwolves continue to play without Anthony Edwards. Over his last three games, the 6-foot-2 guard has totaled 58 points. In addition to his 19 points, Hyland dished out a team-high seven assists in Tuesday’s victory. With the Timberwolves having three more games in Week 24, Bones is worth adding in active fantasy leagues.

Edwards will remain out for a second straight game, which means Mike Conley should get another start in his place. However, Bones Hyland played a larger role off the bench and was far more productive than Conley was. Hyland should be the preferred streaming option.