Wolves have no excuses against banged-up Cavaliers on Friday
The basketball gods couldn't have written more a favorable script for the Timberwolves as they embark on a seven-game road trip that includes the second night of a back-to-back Friday in Cleveland.
What previously looked like a daunting second half of a back-to-back after playing at Indiana Thursday night now looks much more palatable as Minnesota will face a Cavs club that might be down three starters.
Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out as he recovers from a platelet-rich plasma injection that he received on Monday for a bruised knee bone, and now they're expected to be without star big man Evan Mobley, who according to NBA insider Shams Charania, could miss extended time after suffering an ankle injury.
Those two alone leave significant holes for Cleveland's backups to fill. Mitchell is averaging 28.0 points, 6.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game and Mobley is a double-double machine who averages 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds.
They might also be without shooting guard Max Strus, who will miss Wednesday's game against Atlanta with a knee strain. Strus has started 60 games and averages 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the 40-21 Cavs.
Cleveland could be facing the Wolves with a starting five featuring Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang and Jarrett Allen. That would be a below average starting five and leave Cleveland with very little depth.
Apr 2, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates with guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
