Minnesota

Timberwolves

While Randle didn’t shoot efficiently, he consistently had the basketball in his hands down the stretch and helped lead Minnesota to the finish line and into the second round. He produced at all three levels as a scorer and was one of the team’s more productive passers throughout the game. Surely, Randle is capable of a greater stat line, but he was impactful in his 37 minutes on the floor. He’ll have a chance for stronger stats against the Spurs on Monday.

Shannon showed up and played exceptionally well in his first playoff start, delivering consistent, timely baskets throughout the game to help Minnesota advance past the first round. Arguably, the only knock on the second-year guard’s performance was his inability to knock down the three-point shot efficiently. Still, he finished as the team’s second-leading scorer in a game that they played without several key perimeter players. Shannon should have a role to begin the second-round series against San Antonio, regardless of which Timberwolves players are available.

McDaniels stepped up in a big way to help the Timberwolves advance to the second round. Offensively, he took on a significant role and responded by notching his first-ever 30-point playoff game. He battled on both the offensive and defensive glass, while being a major reason for Jamal Murray’s offensive struggles. McDaniels was massive all throughout Round 1, and his two-way ability will be relied on when Minnesota takes on San Antonio in the next round.

With Dosunmu out, the Timberwolves find themselves in a tougher spot in Thursday’s closeout game. They’ll insert Shannon into the opening unit, who scored 15 points in Game 4. Minnesota will face a Denver team that is also dealing with a key injury to Aaron Gordon, who will not play in Game 6.

Dosunmu’s absence on Thursday is undoubtedly a major blow for the Timberwolves, who are already playing without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles). Since being acquired ahead of February’s trade deadline, the fifth-year guard has been stellar for Minnesota on both ends of the floor. He’s become one of the team’s best and most reliable scorers during the postseason. Without Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle will likely be counted on for more offensive production.

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.

With the Timberwolves missing multiple starters, Randle stepped up with 27 points and six assists in Game 5. Still, it wasn’t enough to close out the Nuggets on their home floor Monday. Randle and the Timberwolves will head home for Game 6 on Thursday, which could be their best chance to win the series.

Ant-Man is dealing with a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee, and he’ll likely miss the rest of the first-round series against Denver. Minnesota must win only one of its next three games against the Nuggets, scheduled for Monday, Thursday and Saturday, if the series goes the distance. The Wolves played well without Edwards in the regular season, but without he and Donte DiVincenzo, the road ahead will be challenging. Ayo Dosunmu will need to keep scoring at a high level to pick up the slack, and he’ll look to build off of a 43-point performance in Game 4.