Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is listed as questionable for Monday's Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets due to personal reasons after becoming a father for the first time.
It is reported that the baby boy was born on Monday morning. It is uncertain whether Gobert will be able to make it to the Ball Arena early enough to get an earful for the defending champs.
According to several NBA betting sites, the Timberwolves hold three chances to win the championship. Sportsbooks show the best odds for the Boston Celtics and Nuggets.
UPDATED Minnesota @Timberwolves Situation Report before today's game 2 in Denver:
WHAT TO QUESTION
Gobert – Personal Reasons– Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) May 6, 2024
Gobert recorded six points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal in the Timberwolves' Game 1 win over Denver in the Western Conference semifinal series.
“I don't think there's any debate to be had,” Gobert said at the time. “The coach [Chris] Finch and every guy in this room – that's what I love most about our team. We have a level of human connection and empathy for each other. That's really good. I think all the guys will literally tell me, 'Don't play.'”
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (own) is listed as questionable in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets
In addition, the Timberwolves do not expect Gobert to play in Game 2. If the 7-foot-1 big man is brought down to play, Finch will have to rely on Naz Reid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Kyle Anderson to protect Nikola Jokic.
“It definitely changes things,” Mike Conley said of Gobert's absence. “He is a person who is very focused on what he is doing, especially defense. And, offensively as well, but we're a deep team. …. We've got a lot of guys that are ready to come in and play for us if that's the case, and try to win any way we can.”
Gobert, a finalist for his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, averaged 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the challenge Minnesota's defense will face in Game 2 against Denver if Rudy Gobert is unavailable: pic.twitter.com/QyxgMvLDL9
– Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 6, 2024
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Timberwolves outscored opponents by 74 points in Gobert's 175 minutes. That ranks as the second-best total in the playoffs.
Gobert, an 11-year veteran, is trying to advance to the conference finals for the first time in his career.
NBA sportsbooks show Minnesota as a 6.5-point underdog over Denver. According to ESPN's Basketball Power Index, the Nuggets have a 51.9% chance of winning Game 2 tonight.
Denver has a high chance of tying the series if Gobert is out. In fact, the Wolves are 3-3 in games played this season without him.
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