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Rudy Gobert is questionable for Game 1 of the series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The Frenchman is dealing with back spasms, which makes his availability tonight uncertain.
Gobert has been dealing with this issue since April 9 in the Timberwolves’ 113-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Minnesota’s starting center would have been questionable against the LA Lakers in the Play-in Tournament had he not been suspended for swinging at Kyle Anderson.
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The three-time All-Star’s availability against the OKC Thunder on Friday was also iffy, but he managed to play 33 minutes. He finished the night with 21 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Gobert moved much better versus the Thunder than he did against the Pelicans.
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Against the Thunder, the big man was able to jump better to score and defend. He previously couldn't even challenge guards who drove to the basket when his back spasms limited his movement.
After the win against Oklahoma, Rudy Gobert was positive that he has a good chance of suiting up for Game 1 in Denver. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded a king's ransom for him for exactly what they will be facing against the Denver Nuggets.
Rudy Gobert versus Nikola Jokic is the matchup to watch out for in the series
Rudy Gobert, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, will undoubtedly be pitted against Nikola Jokic, the back-to-back MVP. How Gobert’s defensive prowess can help the Timberwolves contain Jokic’s spectacular play on offense could decide this series.
Gobert has played Jokic as well as any player in the league. "The Joker" has averaged 20.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 21 meetings against the "Stifle Tower." Jokic has hit 55.6% of his shots, including 37.9% from behind the arc.
Nikola Jokic has improved his stat line against one of the NBA's premier defensive players this season. He averaged 22.0 points, 12.5 assists, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in two games.
Rudy Gobert's impact on defense has gone down since his Utah Jazz days, but he remains the Minnesota Timberwolves' best defensive player. Kyle Anderson and Karl-Anthony Towns can also try to contain Jokic, but their work on offense precedes their defensive duties.
Jokic, when matchup with Towns in their last two meetings, averaged 29.5 points, 17.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists. The Serbian has owned the matchup lately, which puts Gobert at the heart of the Timberwolves' biggest problem to solve.
If Rudy Gobert can't even make Nikola Jokic work hard on offense, the Minnesota Timberwolves could be headed for an early first-round exit.
You may also want to read: "Hang the banners"- NBA fans troll Minnesota Timberwolves despite blowout win over the Thunder to set up a matchup against Nikola Jokic and Nuggets
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