Rudy Gobert (Image Credits: Imagn)

Why Is Rudy Gobert Suspended for Upcoming Game vs. Bucks? Everything Explained

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Ayushi Bhardwaj | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 5:54 PM ET

Tight NBA games often swing on emotion, and that was clear during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ latest battle involving Rudy Gobert. Minnesota clawed back from a deficit with grit and energy, but one late moment flipped everything and changed the outlook for the next matchup.

The issue centers on Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves. During their January 12, 2026, loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Gobert committed a reckless closeout on Victor Wembanyama in the fourth quarter, stepping into his landing space.

That play resulted in Gobert’s fifth flagrant foul of the season, along with a technical foul for bumping an official after the whistle. Under NBA rules, those flagrant points automatically triggered a one-game suspension.

Rudy Gobert will now serve a one-game suspension after picking up his fifth flagrant foul of the season. Add the technical to it and this is a disastrous possession for the Wolves, who had climbed back into this thing.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) January 12, 2026

The suspension means Gobert will miss Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. It also stalled Minnesota’s momentum, turning what was a key rally into a costly sequence at a crucial moment.

Rudy Gobert’s Flagrant Foul Points Now Loom Large

Rudy Gobert (Image Credits: Imagn)

His discipline has become a serious issue for Minnesota. With this latest incident, he now has six flagrant foul points and 21 technical fouls this season, per NBA tracking, putting him at risk of longer suspensions. Recent moments, such as Bam Adebayo scoring over Rudy Gobert, drawing a foul, and celebrating, demonstrate how opponents are targeting him more aggressively.

This pattern is not new. Earlier in the season, Gobert was hit with a flagrant two against the Phoenix Suns after striking Mark Williams in mid-air. He was also fined $100,000 for making an inappropriate gesture toward referees during another game.

The suspension impacts the Timberwolves immediately. Minnesota must rely on its frontcourt depth, similar to Joan Beringer, as it prepares to face elite players like Giannis Antetokounmpo. At 26-14, Rudy Gobert’s availability now carries as much weight as his production.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: