The struggling Minnesota Timberwolves are hoping for a much-needed boost as they prepare to face off against the Phoenix Suns this Sunday. Julius Randle, a key player for the T-wolves, is set to return to action after sitting out the team’s last 13 games due to a groin injury. While Randle is still listed as questionable on the official NBA injury report, insider Chris Haynes has reported that he fully intends to take the court against the Suns.
Minnesota’s recent string of losses has seen them slip to the 9th seed in the competitive Western Conference standings, with a record of 32-29. They are closely trailing the Sacramento Kings and are tied with the Dallas Mavericks in the race for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. Despite their recent struggles, the T-wolves have faced stiff competition in their past six games, going up against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Randle, who is averaging 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 32% from beyond the arc, has been a valuable addition to the Minnesota squad since his trade from the New York Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. In his absence, the T-wolves have managed a 5-8 record, underscoring the importance of his return to the lineup.
In addition to Randle, the T-wolves will also have Anthony Edwards back in action after serving a one-game suspension for accumulating his 16th technical foul of the season. Edwards, a key player for Minnesota, is also listed as questionable on the injury report due to right calf soreness. However, the team will be without the services of Rudy Gobert, who is set to miss his seventh straight game due to a lower back injury.
