Overview
- Hayes is available in Minnesota after left patellar tendinopathy and resumes duties as the backup center behind Deandre Ayton.
- Smart was downgraded to out with a right quad contusion after being listed as questionable, marking a second straight missed game.
- The latest changes follow a 122-108 loss to the Trail Blazers when Los Angeles lacked depth, though JJ Redick lauded the team’s half-court defense and competitiveness.
- With Smart sidelined, Reaves is expected to shoulder primary scoring and creation responsibilities against the Timberwolves’ perimeter pressure.
- LeBron James remains out with sciatica with a mid-November return considered likely, while Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero also remain unavailable.