Karl-Anthony Towns may be back in action just in time for the Timberwolves’ playoff push.
Karl-Anthony Towns, the power forward for the Timberwolves, is preparing to make his comeback to the court just in time for Minnesota’s push for the playoffs. The team announced on Tuesday that Towns, who had been dealing with a knee injury, has now been given the green light for full-contact practice and participation in 5-on-5 basketball drills.
Towns suffered a torn left meniscus in early March and underwent surgery on March 12. Despite his absence, the Timberwolves have managed well, posting an 11-5 record since March 7. Naz Reid has stepped up in Towns’ absence, starting in 12 games and delivering impressive performances, averaging 18.9 points per game with a 44.2% three-point shooting percentage on 7.2 attempts per game.
Anthony Edwards, the top overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has been a standout performer for the Timberwolves, averaging 25.3 points per game, albeit slightly below his season average of 25.9 points.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert has been a defensive stalwart for the team, being touted as the favorite to secure his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.
Although the Timberwolves have managed without Towns, his return is eagerly awaited, especially for a deep postseason run. With a current record of 54-24, they are tied with the Denver Nuggets for the top seed in the Western Conference, with four games remaining in the regular season for both teams.
Before his injury, Towns was averaging 22.1 points per game and shooting a career-high 42.3% from three-point range. Despite missing time last season due to injury, Towns returned for the playoffs, although he struggled initially against the Nuggets, averaging 18.9 points per game and shooting 45.7% from the field, including 25% from beyond the arc.
According to Basketball Reference, the Timberwolves have a 61.1% chance of clinching the top seed in the conference. If current standings hold, they could potentially face the Warriors or Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.
