Getty Image / Justin Ford
Rudy Gobert turned heads on Sunday for all of the wrong reasons. He was sent home mid-game after throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson.
The Minnesota Timberwolves opted to handle the issue themselves. Many believed Gobert would be fined for his actions during the final game of the season.
However, according to Shams Charania, Minnesota announces they are suspending their star center for their play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sources: Rudy Gobert has been suspended for Timberwolves-Lakers on Tuesday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2023
A suspension is surprising here, considering the Timberwolves have a chance to make a playoff appearance.
But, the organization is putting title hopes to the side in handling this situation.
The Timberwolves are set to face the Lakers on Tuesday, April 11 at 10 P.M. Eastern.
If they win the game, then Rudy Gobert will be back in the lineup for the playoffs. But not having him on the court for the play-in tournament is detrimental to Minnesota’s chances of winning the contest.
The odds are against the Timberwolves right now, as they’ll clearly be without Gobert in the lineup. Additionally, Jaden McDaniels is ruled out after fracturing his hand by punching a wall in frustration during Sunday’s game.
Things have gotten a bit out of hand for this team at the worst possible time. It’ll be up to Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns to get the team back on track.
As you can imagine, Timberwolves fans aren’t too happy with Gobert right now.
Sure is a good thing that Minnesota basically gave up their entire future for Gobert.
— Jay Diggs (@Jumpman3223) April 10, 2023
Some think Gobert’s suspension is a good thing for Minnesota, while others shut it down immediately.
Lol no it doesn’t
— George🇬🇷 (@g_martin21) April 10, 2023
We’ll see how it plays out for the Timberwolves, but it’s going to take a lot for this team to continue their playoff run without one of the best players in the lineup.