Why Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert isn’t playing vs. Rockets

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets will play on Friday night. Minnesota will be without Rudy Gobert, however, who has been ruled out due to rest, the team announced.

Joe Ingles is also out due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards (right knee injury maintenance), Ayo Dosunmu (right calf injury maintenance), Bones Hyland (right hip soreness) and Julius Randle (right hand soreness) are all listed as questionable to play.

There are a number of injury concerns worth closely monitoring. Minnesota is preparing for the playoffs, but Edwards has been dealing with a knee injury. Julius Randle is also battling hand soreness. The good news is that Jaden McDaniels recently returned from his knee injury.

Gobert is getting extra rest on Friday. The Timberwolves are proceeding with caution as the regular season winds down. The team only has two more games before the postseason including Friday’s matchup.

Gobert, 33, has appeared in 76 games this year. The Timberwolves center is averaging 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per outing. He is shooting 68.2 percent from the field as well.

At 47-33, the Timberwolves already have the No. 6 seed clinched. They also are not within distance of reaching the No. 5 seed before the regular season comes to an end. As a result, the Timberwolves can be extra cautious in the next couple of games. Minnesota’s primary focus at the moment is on the upcoming playoffs.

Nevertheless, the team would prefer to finish the regular season on a high note. Tip-off for the Timberwolves and Rockets clash is scheduled for 9:30 PM EST in Houston on Friday night.