Rudy Gobert will not play in the biggest game of the season for the Timberwolves because he’s been suspended after punching his teammate Kyle Anderson on Sunday.
According to multiple reports, Gobert has been slapped with a one-game suspension for the in-game altercation that happened during a timeout late in the second quarter. Gobert was sent home and didn’t finish the game, later issuing an apology for his actions.
The Timberwolves had to suspend Gobert for throwing a punch, but accepted that it was a shot to chest with no intent to injure Kyle Anderson and understood that Anderson called Gobert a “bitch” repeatedly on a night Gobert was playing hurt, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2023
Tuesday’s 9 p.m. game (televised on TNT) pits Minnesota against the Lakers in a battle for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The winner will advance to the postseason and face the Memphis Grizzlies in a best-of-seven series.
The loser will play the Pelicans or Thunder in an elimination game Thursday night, with the winner advancing as the official No. 8 seed against the No. 1 Denver Nuggets in a best-of-seven series.
Gobert’s suspension puts the Wolves in a tough position against Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who killed Gobert and Minnesota for 38 points and 17 rebounds the last time they played. Minnesota could also be without Jaden McDaniels, who reportedly broke his hand when he punched a wall during Sunday’s game.
Back in October, the Warriors chose to fine – not suspend – Draymond Green after he punched teammate Jordan Poole in the face during practice.
