Julius

Randle

While quiet during the second half of Game 2, Randle’s performance in the first half helped the Timberwolves erase a double-digit deficit. He scored 18 points before halftime, combining with Anthony Edwards to score 38 of the Timberwolves’ 64 points. Randle finished with solid percentages and was one rebound shy of a double-double, performing much better than he did in Saturday’s Game 1 defeat. The Timberwolves host Game 3 on Thursday night.

While better during the fourth quarter, which allowed Minnesota to make a run before losing by 11, Randle did not offer much production early on. And with Anthony Edwards (knee) not appearing to be at full strength, the Timberwolves can’t afford inconsistent play from their starting power forward. A 31.5 percent shooter from three during the regular season, Randle missed all three of his attempts in Game 1. Simply put, he needs to be better.

The Timberwolves have nothing to play for on Sunday regarding playoff seeding, so their key players will not be available. Joan Beringer and Jaylen Clark should play plenty, and it would be unsurprising if a Rocco Zikarsky or Enrique Freeman played a few minutes as well. Beringer is the most trustworthy option for those in active fantasy leagues.

After recording a modest stat line in Wednesday’s loss to the Magic, Anderson was considerably better against the Rockets on Friday. SloMo finished one assist shy of a triple-double while shooting over 50 percent from the field. And in 32 minutes, Anderson did not commit a turnover. His value in active fantasy leagues for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Pelicans depends on the availability of Julius Randle.

Randle will miss a second straight game while Reid lands on the injury report for right shoulder injury maintenance. With Rudy Gobert (rest) already ruled out, the Timberwolves will have to turn to Kyle Anderson and Joan Beringer to pick up the slack in the frontcourt.

Randle did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Magic, with Kyle Anderson replacing him in the starting lineup. Randle’s return would push SloMo back to the bench, eliminating most of his value in active fantasy leagues.

The Timberwolves, with three games left in the regular season, will use a starting lineup on Wednesday that they haven’t yet used this season. Ingles gets his first start of the year, and Anderson will also start for the first time this year as a member of the Timberwolves. Several key players, including Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Anthony Edwards, won’t play against the Magic.

With both of Minnesota’s big men sitting this one out, Naz Reid should be in line for a featured role against Orlando. Kyle Anderson and Joan Beringer should see additional run, too.

Having played 31 minutes or more in six consecutive games, Randle did not have to play as much on Tuesday. The veteran forward played 28 minutes against the Pacers, finishing with a modest stat line. The only Timberwolves’ starter to play less was Mike Conley (8/2/3/3 with two three-pointers), who logged 21 minutes as he continues to fill in for the injured Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves have three more games to play this week, starting with the Magic on Wednesday.

Randle has now scored at least 21 points in five of his last six games. The problem in Sunday’s game was that Anthony Edwards was out and Randle was one of just two Timberwolves with at least 15 points. The 31-year-old power forward also had five turnovers and was -17 in the 14-point loss. The Timberwolves have four games in the final week of the regular season, starting with a matchup against the Pacers on Tuesday.