The Timberwolves have recently done what they need to in defeating opposing teams that are undermanned. Entering Christmas, their previous two games were wins against the Knicks (minus Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby) and the Bucks (minus Giannis Antetokounmpo).
On Christmas, they faced a Nuggets team that had three starters out with injury. In the lineup, though, was Nikola Jokic, who gives his team a chance regardless of who is out, and that’s exactly what he did in Denver’s Christmas Day win.
Being shorthanded matters less when you have Nikola Jokic
Aaron Gordon has now missed 15 straight outings with a right hamstring strain.