Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves need all hands on deck as they prepare for their second-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets , and they recently got good news surrounding their injured head coach, Chris Finch.

Finch suffered a torn patellar tendon on his right knee toward the end of Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns when he collided with his point guard, Mike Conley, in a freak accident.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania , there’s an “increased optimism” that Chris Finch will be available in the Western Conference semifinals, starting on Saturday. Either way, assistant Micah Nori is expected to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves huddle with Finch recuperating.

“Finch is obviously a leader and a super tough guy,” said Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly on Thursday via Andrew Lopez of ESPN. “I have a ton of respect for him bouncing back so quickly. He’s chomping at the bit to get back out there. He’s really excited about the series and it’s great to have him back.”

The Minnesota Timberwolves are ready for the Denver Nuggets

After disposing of the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, Nikola Jokic believes that the Denver Nuggets are in for a tougher matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are coming off a sweep against the Phoenix Suns.

During his recent interviews with local reporters, the two-time league MVP praised Tim Connelly, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards.

“When Tim Connelly made that trade (for Rudy Gobert) everybody was laughing at him and what he was doing. But he made a great team. I think he deserves credit for doing that,” Jokic said about Tim Connelly via Harrison Wind on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“He’s amazing. He’s a really dangerous player. He’s a really talented player who can do everything, and who has everything in his arsenal. He’s actually a really funny guy to be around. Hopefully, we’re going to have some fun too,” Jokic shared about Anthony Edwards.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets will be Saturday at the Ball Arena in Denver.

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