The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing the Denver Nuggets in a crucial Game 6 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs in a matchup that could see them advance to the second round with a win.
However, a victory isn’t going to come easy over the 2023 champions, as before the game, the Timberwolves confirmed a lengthy injury report that features Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kyle Anderson.
Still, the show must go on, and before Game 6, Minnesota announced its starting lineup for the potential series-clinching matchup on Thursday night.
Timberwolves Announce Starting Lineup For Game 6 vs Nuggets
In the lead-up to the crucial contest, the Timberwolves took to social media to confirm their starting lineup, a group that won’t feature several of their key players.
Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert all got the nod as starters from head coach Chris Finch and his staff.
This is not a lineup the Timberwolves have used in these playoffs, or this season at all for that matter, as they haven’t seen so many injuries to a few of their top contributors.
However, without Edwards, DiVincenzo, Dosunmu, and Anderson, it will be McDaniels, Randle, and Naz Reid taking on a brunt of the scoring effort in Game 6. Gobert will hope to continue his strong series as their defensive anchor going against Nikola Jokic.
McDaniels specifically has played well, but it will be a tall task trying to beat a mostly healthy Nuggets team that is trying to force a Game 7.
Timberwolves Injury Report
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 12: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards #5 shake hands against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 12, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Shortly before tipoff, the Timberwolves also confirmed a loaded injury report that sees Edwards, Edwards, DiVincenzo, Dosunmu, and Anderson all missing Game 6.
Edwards is out with a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee. DiVincenzo is out due to a torn Achilles suffered in Game 4. Dosunmu, who was questionable, was downgraded to out while he deals with right calf soreness. Anderson is missing the game due to illness.
“Testing ruled out any ligament damage, a significant sigh of relief for the Timberwolves, but Edwards is still expected to miss the rest of Minnesota’s first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, according to sources,” Anthony Slater wrote for ESPN. “If the Timberwolves advance past the Nuggets, it’s anticipated that Edwards would miss at least a portion of the second round.”
Bones Hyland was also listed on the injury report earlier in the day, but he was upgraded to available, despite dealing with left knee soreness.
As for the Nuggets, they’ll be without Aaron Gordon as he faces a concerning calf strain, while Peyton Watson is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Before Game 6, a few of the Timberwolves players were seen in #0 jerseys in honor of DiVincenzo, who is out for the rest of the season with his Achilles injury. While it will be an uphill battle for Minnesota without him and a few of their other players, it looks as though the roster will be playing for their starting point guard on Thursday night.
With a win, the Timberwolves will advance to the second round of the playoffs, where they’ll see the San Antonio Spurs. With a loss, they’ll head back to Denver for a Game 7, where they’ll miss at least Edwards and DiVincenzo.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 6 tips off on Thursday, April 30, at 8:30 pm CST and will be live on ESPN.
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