Rudy

Gobert

Gobert’s matchup with Victor Wembanyama was the challenge that many expected it to be before the series began, but Game 6 was brutal. In addition to missing all four of his shot attempts, the veteran center grabbed just three rebounds and did not block a shot. The matchup at the start of the game didn’t help, either, as Gobert was assigned to guard Stephon Castle. Castle knocked down shots, scoring 14 of his game-high 32 points in the first quarter. As effective as he was in the first round, Gobert will head into the offseason with a bad taste in his mouth. Looking to 2026-27, the 7-foot-1 pivot has top-100 fantasy potential, and he can be even more valuable in roster builds that punt free-throw percentage.

Gobert has reached double digits in rebounds in four of his last five playoff games, with Sunday’s tally being the most for him since Game 6 of the first-round series against Denver. With Victor Wembanyama getting ejected just over three minutes into the second quarter, Gobert spent most of the night competing with Luke Kornet for rebounds and points in the paint. That won’t be the case for Game 5 on Tuesday, but the “Stifle Tower” has held his own more often than not. The winner of Tuesday’s game will take a 3-2 series lead.

Foul shooting aside, Gobert played well in the series-opening defeat. While Denver’s Nikola Jokić managed to record a triple-double, the Timberwolves’ center’s defensive effort factored into the three-time MVP committing five turnovers. Gobert missed just one shot inside the arc and corralled a team-high 10 rebounds, playing 38 minutes. For the Timberwolves to win this series, they’re going to need consistent contributions from Gobert.

Making a second consecutive start due to the absences of Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, Beringer was dominant on Sunday. The rookie center became the 12th teenager in league history to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a game, and the youngest in Timberwolves franchise history. Beringer finished with season-highs in points, rebounds and blocks, putting forth an effort that likely thrilled dynasty league managers rostering him. Beringer is unlikely to be much of a factor in this year’s playoffs, but his time will come.

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.

Gobert will miss a second consecutive game as he rests up for the playoffs. The Timberwolves are locked into the No. 6 seed in the West, so the regulars are likely to get time to rest in the team’s final two games. Naz Reid will get another start, which raises his ceiling for those 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.

Gobert’s streak of games with at least 10 rebounds reached six on Saturday, with the veteran center recording four double-doubles during this stretch. Since the All-Star break, the 7-footer has provided fifth-round value in eight-cat formats. While Gobert’s start to the season was a bit underwhelming, his finish may help some fantasy managers win their leagues. The Timberwolves play four games in Week 23, starting with Dallas on Monday.

Gobert was impressive on Wednesday in his 28 minutes. He was incredibly impactful on the defensive end, posting a handful of blocked shots, and finished well on the offensive end when given opportunities. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year’s night was cut short after fouling out of the contest late in the fourth quarter. Still, he concluded with his third double-double over his past three appearances and is trending in the right direction during the fantasy basketball playoffs.