The Minnesota Timberwolves have received a huge injury boost as they prepare for a deep run in the 2024 playoffs. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that Karl-Anthony Towns “is expected to return in one of [the] team’s final regular season games.”
Towns suffered a torn meniscus on March 7th. He has missed 16 games since.
Sources: Minnesota star Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to return in one of team’s final regular season games (tonight in Denver, Friday vs. Atlanta or Sunday vs. Phoenix). Towns attacked rehab and impressed T’Wolves teammates/coaches with recovery from early March torn meniscus. pic.twitter.com/9cpxa5jPid
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Return
When the news initially broke about Towns’ torn meniscus, there was substantial fear that the injury could cost him the entire season. On March 12th, Towns underwent surgery to repair his left meniscus. He was rumored for a potential return at some point in the second round of the playoffs, should the Timberwolves make it that far.
His expedited return is thanks to a successful and aggressive rehab. The former Kentucky star could return during the final week of the regular season.
Prior to his injury, Towns was enjoying a remarkable season. The 28 year-old is averaging 22.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and three assists in 60 games played. He is also connecting on a career-best 42.3% of his 5.3 three-point attempts per game.
Towns also received an All-Star selection for the second time in his career. As a reserve for the Western Conference All-Stars, Towns impressed, scoring a game-high 50 points.
Edwards Keeps Minnesota Timberwolves Afloat
Anthony Edwards has held down the fort in Towns’ absence, averaging 25.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 16 games. Minnesota is 11-5 in that stretch, and has managed to keep pace with the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder in the fight for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Following last Sunday’s 127-117 win against the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA TV’s Dennis Scott asked Edwards about the Timberwolves’ playoff aspirations. The 22 year-old failed to contain his excitement and revealed that Towns would be back soon.
Anthony Edwards speaks about Karl Anthony Towns postgame:
“KAT coming back, KAT will be back” 🗣pic.twitter.com/wtUWAlNydw
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) April 8, 2024
Managing Towns’ Injury and the Regular Season
Chris Finch and his coaching staff must now walk a fine line of caution. The aim is to reintegrate Towns into the lineup while avoiding a rushed return to play that could result in further injury.
Minnesota has three regular season games remaining, including a crucial road matchup against the Nuggets tonight at Ball Arena. The two teams share records of 55-24, yet the Timberwolves remain first in the conference thanks to a 2-1 season series lead over the Nuggets. If Minnesota is able to claim a win tonight, they would be in fantastic position to earn the first seed for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
If Towns is not able to go tonight, he will have a chance to return in one of the Timberwolves final two games. Both games will be at the Target Center in Minneapolis, against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
