Jaylen

Clark

Clark’s production this past season didn’t differ much from the prior. While scoring, rebounding, and assisting at similar levels, he regressed as a shooter in his second NBA season, posting averages of 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 13.1 minutes per game. The wing and guard rooms remain crowded in Minnesota with the reported acquisition of LaMelo Ball and the re-signing of Ayo Dosunmu. However, Clark’s three-year deal suggests the Timberwolves still value him and want him to remain in the nightly rotation.

If Shannon Jr. is forced to sit out a win-or-go-home Game 6, Minnesota could shorten its rotation. Jaylen Clark may pick up a few extra minutes.

Neither Shannon nor Clark has seen the court yet through two games against the Nuggets. Their absences on Thursday shouldn’t have more than a minimal impact on Minnesota’s depth.

Shannon Jr. and Clark serve primarily as depth options, so if they are unavailable, Ayo Dosunmu could see additional run.

McDaniels is back after missing Minnesota’s last six games with a knee injury. With Ayo Dosunmu ruled out, McDaniels may move into the starting lineup immediately. That said, Jaylen Clark’s playing time should increase due to a potential minutes limit for McDaniels and the absence of multiple wings.

Dosunmu dealt with an injury in his right thumb earlier this season, and it has popped back up again. If he ends up missing this matchup with the Clippers, Bones Hyland, Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. would likely be in line for a few extra minutes, with Hyland playing the largest role off the bench.

Clark was initially listed as questionable for this game, but he will be good to go. He hasn’t seen the floor in each of the Timberwolves’ last four games, and even if that changes, he won’t play enough to impact fantasy basketball.

The Timberwolves have a clean injury report for their first game out of the All-Star break, including Shannon. Due to a strained left foot, he’s been out since Christmas. While Shannon’s return may result in fewer minutes for Jaylen Clark, who already wasn’t playing much, this is unlikely to affect fantasy basketball in the short term.

Randle is dealing with a sore left thumb, which is problematic since he’s a left-handed shooter. He’s yet to miss a game this season, but an absence could push Jaylen Clark into the starting lineup. No Randle would also raise Naz Reid’s ceiling, even if he’s used in his usual reserve role.

Conley missed Thursday’s game against the Thunder, which led to Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark taking on a few extra minutes off the bench. Conley will be part of the mix in the guard rotation off the bench against Memphis.